In a major milestone for clean energy advancement in Northern Nigeria, the Katsina State Government has officially commenced the implementation of a landmark $500 million energy infrastructure partnership with Genesis Energy Group.
The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London last month and represents one of the largest private sector-led renewable energy investments in the region.
The project aligns with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s strategic vision to industrialize Katsina State, strengthen public service delivery, and ensure inclusive economic growth by bridging the energy deficit that has long hindered development.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development, stating, “This partnership with Genesis Energy Group aligns with our strategic agenda to transform Katsina into a model for clean energy adoption and economic development. Reliable power is the foundation of industrialization, education, and healthcare, and we are proud to take this bold step forward.”
Key components of the collaboration include the development, financing, construction, and operation of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects across the state.
The initial phase is already underway, with technical site inspections recently conducted at two pilot locations: a 1MW Solar Mini-Grid with a 1MWh Battery Energy Storage System at the Government House, and a 250KW Solar System with a 300KWh Battery Storage System at the Katsina State General Hospital.
Led by the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, and the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, alongside Genesis Energy Group executives headed by Mrs. Melissa Sikwila, the team emphasized the immediate impact these projects will have reducing diesel dependency, lowering operational costs, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
During a strategy session held at Government House, Governor Radda and the Genesis Energy delegation fine-tuned the project’s rollout roadmap, focusing on energy access for both urban centers and underserved rural communities.
Priority beneficiaries include the Green Economic Zone for agro-industrial enterprises, water treatment facilities, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital.
Speaking during the session, Mrs. Sikwila praised Katsina’s forward-thinking approach: “Katsina State is setting the pace for what public-private partnerships in the energy sector should look like across Africa. Our goal is not just to deploy energy infrastructure, but to build lasting capacity and empower local communities through access to clean, resilient power.”
The collaboration is expected to attract further private investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, create thousands of jobs, enhance climate resilience, and drive inclusive growth.
Commissioning of the pilot systems at the Government House and General Hospital is expected within weeks, marking the official launch of what is projected to be a transformative journey for the state’s energy landscape.
