By Oke Peter Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states have joined forces to establish a unified electricity market in northern Nigeria, marking a significant step in regional energy collaboration.The partnership includes a joint acquisition of equity in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), whose core investor is Future Energies Africa. This move was announced in a statement on Monday by Saad Umar Faruk, spokesperson for Kano State’s Ministry of Power and Energy.

According to Gaddafi Shehu, Kano State’s Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, the agreement was finalized during the High-Level Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 16 to 19, 2025.

KEDCO Headquarters KEDCO Headquarters

Shehu explained that the collaboration aims to strengthen electricity distribution across the three states through coordinated regulation, shared investments, and mutual support. The equity purchase in KEDCO is seen as a strategic effort to improve electricity access and reliability in the region.

A key element of the initiative includes the creation of a ₦50 billion electrification fund dedicated to expanding electricity access through embedded generation, solar home systems, mini-grids, and grid extension. The states also plan to work with KEDCO to reduce losses from residential customers and improve power supply efficiency.

"This landmark partnership is a major milestone towards sustainable power solutions, economic development, and improved living standards in our region," Shehu stated.

The agreement also outlines plans for annual international retreats and quarterly meetings between the three states to evaluate progress and strengthen the tri-state electricity market.

This development aligns with the broader national power sector reforms following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023. As of July 2025, regulatory oversight for electricity has been devolved to 12 states, including recent additions Bayelsa and Nasarawa, empowering them to regulate their own electricity markets.