Experts and stakeholders in Kebbi State have called for urgent investment in alternative energy sources, including solar power, to reduce overdependence on Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO) and tackle the lingering electricity crisis in the state.
The call was made during an interactive session organised by the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Electricity Supply to Kebbi, where traditional rulers, engineers, journalists, energy experts, and electricity consumers gathered to discuss lasting solutions to the state’s worsening power situation.
Speaking at the session, Chairman of the Committee, Usman Abubakar Gwandu, said the meeting was convened to generate practical and implementable recommendations that would address the persistent electricity challenges facing residents and businesses.
He revealed that the committee had been divided into three sub-committees to allow professionals and members of the public to contribute ideas on improving power supply and exploring viable alternatives to KEDCO.
According to him, engagements had already been held with traditional rulers, media practitioners, and technical experts to develop acceptable and sustainable energy solutions for presentation to the government.
Chairman of the Technical and Supply Sub-Committee, Engineer Abdulsalam Muhammad, identified major problems affecting electricity consumers to include extortion by power officials, poor electricity supply, vandalism of facilities, obsolete infrastructure, shortage of personnel, inadequate prepaid meters, and poor revenue remittance.
He said the challenges had continued to undermine effective electricity distribution across the state.
Energy expert, Professor A.A. Gulma, urged the government to embrace alternative power generation methods, warning that existing electricity providers could no longer meet the growing demands of the population.
The professor advocated the installation of solar energy systems in government ministries, schools, hospitals, irrigation farms, and other public institutions to reduce dependence on the national grid and cushion the effects of epileptic power supply.
Responding to the concerns, KEDCO Regional Manager in Kebbi State, Engineer Abdulrashid Muhammad, admitted that the company was facing challenges, particularly in its commercial operations, but assured stakeholders of its readiness to work with the committee and the public to improve service delivery.
Many electricity consumers at the meeting expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the power sector, warning that continued poor electricity supply could further cripple businesses, economic activities, and worsen the hardship faced by residents.
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