Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to engage the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company over ongoing power outages in the state.
Idris gave the directive during a town hall meeting in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, where residents, labour unions, civil society organisations, and business owners raised concerns over poor electricity supply.
“We will no longer tolerate a situation where our people and businesses suffer in darkness without clear, actionable solutions,” the governor said.
“The decline in electricity supply is unacceptable and detrimental to our socio-economic development,” he added.
According to him, the committee will include representatives from the state government, the Kebbi Development Forum, the Nigeria Labour Congress, civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional institutions, and KEDCO.
He added that lawmakers, commissioners, and local government chairmen would also nominate members into the committee.
The governor further disclosed that the state government has suspended its monthly N150 million support to KEDCO due to poor service delivery.
“We are willing to support any workable solution, but such support must be tied to measurable improvements. If performance improves, payments can resume and may even be increased,” he said.
Idris also said the state is exploring alternative power sources to reduce dependence on the national grid.
Responding, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Umar Hashidu, said the power crisis is driven by systemic challenges beyond the company’s control.
“We receive only about 5.6 per cent of the total electricity generated nationwide—roughly 150 to 180 megawatts—to serve multiple states, which is grossly insufficient,” he said.
Hashidu also cited financial constraints, explaining that the company buys electricity at higher rates than approved tariffs.
He listed additional challenges such as low revenue collection, resistance to metering, energy theft, and vandalism.
KEDCO Chairman, Aminu Suleiman, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“Sustainable electricity supply requires significant investment and strong partnerships. While we understand the frustrations, improvement will require collective effort and patience,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Tafida, said the meeting was convened to identify the root causes of the crisis and develop practical solutions.
Representatives of labour unions, artisans, and small-scale business owners criticised estimated billing, weak infrastructure, and the burden of self-funded repairs.
The meeting ended with a resolution to work through the newly constituted committee to improve electricity supply in Kebbi State.
