Gov Radda Unveils Reforms At Nigeria Energy Summit

Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clean energy transformation and sustainable growth, unveiling sweeping energy reforms that position

Katsina as a national model for renewable innovation and energy security.

Speaking through his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, at the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit West Africa’s premier energy forum held at the Landmark Convention Centre, Lagos, Governor Radda delivered a special address titled “Building a Clean-Energy Future: Lessons from Katsina’s Solar, Wind, Hydro and CNG Projects.”

In a landmark announcement, Radda revealed plans to establish Nigeria’s first Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy and Energy Security to coordinate and expand the state’s clean energy agenda. He also announced the formation of a Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission in partnership with neighbouring states to enhance regional grid stability, attract investors, and accelerate power sector reforms.

“This pioneering ministry will consolidate our progress, strengthen coordination, and ensure that energy remains reliable, affordable, and accessible to every citizen,” Radda declared.

The governor also disclosed that Katsina will soon commission its first Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas (LNG/CNG) facility, developed in partnership with Greenville LNG Limited, which is now 90 percent complete.

The project will drive vehicle conversion to CNG and support cost-effective, cleaner energy generation across industries and public facilities.

Katsina, he noted, has already made major strides in renewable deployment, with over 10 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems and 10 megawatt-hours of battery storage installed across 11 strategic institutions, including universities, hospitals, waterworks, and the State House of Assembly.

“These projects are reducing energy costs, cutting emissions, and ensuring uninterrupted power for essential services such as healthcare, water supply, and education,” Radda said.

Among other achievements, Radda highlighted the completion of a 1MW solar power plant at the Katsina State Secretariat, powering government offices and reducing dependence on diesel generators, as well as 1.3MW solar systems installed at the Government House and General Hospital Katsina in partnership with Genesis Energy.

He also reaffirmed Katsina’s pioneering role in wind power, recalling the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm, Nigeria’s only wind project, which the state plans to hybridize with 10MW of solar energy to form one of West Africa’s first wind-solar hybrid systems.

Additionally, the governor cited ongoing collaboration with the French Treasury and Oceans Énergie on a 1MW mini-hydro project at Danja Dam, expected to power rural communities, irrigation systems, and agro-industrial enterprises.

Beyond infrastructure, Radda said his administration is prioritizing small business empowerment by deploying stand-alone solar systems to power micro, small, and medium enterprises such as welding shops, cold rooms, ICT hubs, and barbing salons, thereby boosting rural livelihoods and productivity.

He further announced Katsina’s joint efforts with Kano and Jigawa states under the Future Energies Africa initiative to establish a North-West Regional Electricity Market that will expand off-grid access and attract private investments.

“Our focus remains clear: to deepen rural electrification and ensure every school, hospital, and water facility in Katsina operates on clean, dependable power,” he stated.

The summit, which brought together the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, diplomats, industry leaders, and development partners, showcased Katsina’s growing leadership in Nigeria’s clean energy landscape.

In a statement signed by Governor Radda’s Chief Press Secretary Ibrahim Kaula, he stated that Governor Radda’s participation underscored the state’s alignment with Nigeria’s Net Zero by 2060 commitment, reflecting what he described as “the power of visionary leadership, political will, and strategic partnership” in achieving sustainable energy security for all.