Gov Nasir Idris Remains Committed To Stable Electricity Supply In Kebbi As KAEDCO Falters-Yahaya Sarki

Stable electricity supply is a vital tool that bolsters socio-economic development of the nation. No government or society can function effectively without it, as it is essential for both the comfort of the residents and the smooth running of businesses.

 Reliable electricity is crucial for myriads of vocational trades and array of domestic activities such as blending, grinding, refrigeration, and most importantly, powering fans and air conditioners to provide relief from excessive heat, without which can lead to heat-related illnesses, including meningitis. 

Additionally, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), such as welding and ice block production, depend heavily on stable electricity to thrive. Hence, its dearth or fluctuations spell doom for them.

Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Nasir Idris, the Kauran Gwandu, has prioritized the supply of electricity across Kebbi State. Recognizing the importance of the sector, he appointed a Special Adviser on Power to oversee and implement vibrant and plausible policies aimed at improving the state’s electricity consumption. His administration has provided material support to Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) by supplying transformers, armoured cables, and other critical facilities to boost power supply.

In furtherance of increased efforts to enhance power capacity and achieve steady electricity supply across the state, Governor Nasir Idris procured and inaugurated 40 new transformers and accessories worth ₦520 million. These transformers have been distributed to the designated communities, further demonstrating the administration’s unwavering commitment to improving electricity access for residents.

In addition to infrastructural support, the Kebbi State Government also shoulders  significant financial burden to stabilize electricity supply. The administration pays KAEDCO a whopping ₦150 million monthly to complement what the residents pay for electricity bills. This intervention was introduced because KAEDCO consistently claims that consumers do not settle their bills properly, which leads to  limited electricity supply to the state.

It is important to recall that Kebbi State once enjoyed a stable power supply of up to 17 hours daily during the Atiku Bagudu administration. Building on this legacy, Governor Idris has continued to make substantial investments to ensure the return of such a reliable electricity supply. However, despite these efforts, power supply in the state has remained abysmal, irregular, erratic, and unstable, especially during this holy month of Ramadan, when electricity is direly needed due to the excessive heat.

The situation is deeply frustrating. Despite the governor’s significant monthly financial contributions and provision of essential equipment, KAEDCO has failed to deliver stable electricity supply to the Kebbi. The persistent power outages raise serious concerns about KAEDCO’s commitment to meeting its obligations.

To address the power challenges, successive administrations from Alhaji Atiku Bagudu’s tenure to the Governor Nasir Idris admnistration, have repeatedly engaged KAEDCO and held ‘stakeholder meeting’ several times to find lasting solutions. However, KAEDCO has woeful failed to meet the desired expectations. The public outcry over the power crisis is evident across social media platforms and conventional media , where the residents utterly expressed their frustrations and blamed KAEDCO for the worsening electricity situation.

In April 2023, an independent survey was conducted to verify KAEDCO’s claim that Kebbi electricity consumers pay only 28% of their bills. The survey, carried out by ‘Concerned Citizens, Nasarawa II, Birnin Kebbi,’ sampled 458 electricity consumers across eight Distribution Transformers (DTs) under the Nasarawa II Feeder. The results indicated that the residents were actively paying their bills, contradicting KAEDCO’s claims. To support their argument, the group provided documented evidence from households, proving that KAEDCO’s justification for the poor electricity supply was misleading.

Given the general public’s growing frustration over frequent outages, it has become necessary to set the record straight. The Kebbi State Government, under Governor Nasir Idris, has done everything within its power to ensure stable electricity for its people. In addition to providing financial support to KAEDCO including the procurement of transformers and other vital facilities, the Idris administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to solving the electricity crisis.

The burden of responsibility now lies with KAEDCO. It must clear its name and offer a tangible explanation for the persistent power outages, particularly during this critical period of holy month of Ramadan and extreme heat. It is alarming that KAEDCO has remained silent on the issue instead of addressing the concerns of its customers. The people of Kebbi State deserve a transparent and honest response from KAEDCO regarding the continued electricity challenges.

The Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris administration should not be blamed for the power outages in Kebbi State. The facts are clear: the state government has fulfilled its obligation. Now, it is time for KAEDCO to perform its responsibility and ensure that the people of Kebbi get the stable electricity supply they deserve. 

A stitch in time, they say, saves nine-Mr Yahaya Sarki, who is Governor Nasir Idris’ Special Adviser on Media, writes from Birni Kebbi, Kebbi State