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Kano, Katsina, Jigawa Form Tri-State Electricity Market, Invest ₦50 Billion to Boost Power Access
KANO — The governments of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states have agreed to partner on a Tri-State Electricity Market and acquire equity stakes in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The agreement was reached during a High-Level Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 16 to 19. The partnership aims to boost electricity supply across the three states through a shared market system and a ₦50 billion electrification fund.
Under the deal, the states will collaborate with FEA to establish an investment framework that supports grid expansion, renewable energy generation, solar home systems and mini-grid projects. The initiative is expected to accelerate access to power for homes and businesses, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Officials said the Tri-State Electricity Market will operate under the new Electricity Act, which allows states to create and regulate local power markets. The three governments plan to develop joint policies and regulations that will improve efficiency and attract private investment.
In a joint statement, representatives of the three states said the partnership marks a major milestone in regional power cooperation. “Kano, Katsina and Jigawa are taking bold steps to improve electricity access for millions of residents. This collaboration will strengthen energy security and create opportunities for economic growth,” the statement said.
Jigawa State’s Commissioner for Power, Engineer Surajo Musa, said the project will rely on both grid and off-grid solutions. “We are working to deliver power through embedded generation, solar home systems and mini-grids. This will ensure that even remote areas have access to reliable electricity,” he said.
KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, said the states’ decision to acquire equity stakes in FEA will help align government interests with private investors. “This partnership will enable better coordination and ensure that public investments directly support improved power delivery,” he said.
The ₦50 billion electrification fund will be managed jointly by the states and FEA. It will finance renewable energy infrastructure, including small hydro and solar power systems, as well as distribution network upgrades. The fund is expected to attract additional financing from development partners and private investors.
KEDCO currently serves the three states, supplying electricity to millions of customers in the northwest region. Despite progress in network expansion, the company has faced challenges with infrastructure deficits and distribution losses. The new partnership is designed to reduce those losses and expand access.
Future Energies Africa, KEDCO’s core investor, has recently launched several renewable energy projects, including solar-hybrid mini-grids in Jigawa State. The company said the Tri-State partnership would create a stronger platform for sustainable energy investments.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a model for regional energy collaboration. They said the partnership could set an example for other states to develop similar joint markets and funds under Nigeria’s Electricity Act.
The next steps include formalizing each state’s shareholding in FEA, creating a regulatory council for the Tri-State Market and launching the first round of electrification projects in 2026. The partners also plan to hold quarterly review meetings to monitor progress.
If implemented successfully, the Tri-State Electricity Market could transform energy access across northern Nigeria and demonstrate how states can work together to achieve power sector reforms through public-private cooperation.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has hailed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, saying the Argentine’s achievements place him above every other player in the sport’s history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Yamal made the comments on Monday, April 20, shortly after being named Best Young Athlete at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.
The teenage star expressed deep admiration for Messi while speaking about his own ambitions in football, stressing that the Argentine icon has earned worldwide respect through his remarkable career.
“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he’s not the best athlete of all time, he’s certainly among them. Everyone respects him for what he’s achieved, and I hope I can follow in his footsteps,” Yamal said.
Messi, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest legends, has won more than 45 trophies throughout his career, including multiple league titles, continental championships, and the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the final stages of his playing career and is expected to take part in what could be his last World Cup this summer.
Meanwhile, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed his desire to end his Liverpool career on a positive note after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield.
Salah opened the scoring in the intense encounter, registering his ninth goal in the derby and equalling Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s joint-highest scorer in the fixture.
The forward, who has had a mixed season, once again delivered in a crucial moment as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Speaking after the match, Salah emphasised the importance of helping the team secure European football as he looks ahead to the end of his Anfield journey.
“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season. Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah said.
“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident. We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
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