The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for closer collaboration with the Kano State Government on ongoing efforts to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission aimed at strengthening power sector governance and improving electricity supply in the state.
The move was the focus of a courtesy visit by CITAD to the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy on Tuesday, where both sides discussed possible areas of partnership, including policy development, public enlightenment and regulatory support.
Leading the delegation, Senior Programmes Officer of CITAD, Isa Garba, who represented the Executive Director, said the organisation was committed to supporting reforms that would ensure effective regulation of the electricity sector in Kano.
“We are ready to support the state in developing and implementing policies that will guide the proposed electricity regulatory commission,” Garba said.
In his response, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, said Kano State was already in the process of setting up an electricity regulatory agency, adding that a draft bill had been transmitted to the State House of Assembly for consideration.
“The responsibility now lies with the legislature to ensure that the law reflects the realities and aspirations of the people of Kano,” he said.
Dr. Shehu noted that experiences from other states showed that electricity tariff adjustments were often linked to subsidy removal and increased operational costs, stressing the need for a careful and people-focused approach in Kano’s case.
“We are studying models from other states, especially the impact of tariff changes, so that whatever we implement will be in the best interest of our people,” he added.
The ministry commended CITAD for its engagement, describing it as a key stakeholder in public policy advocacy and civic enlightenment. Both parties agreed on the need for sustained collaboration to enhance public understanding of the proposed reforms, particularly citizens’ rights and obligations in the electricity sector.
Dr. Shehu further stressed that public sensitisation would be crucial once the law is passed.
“After the law is enacted, continuous public enlightenment will be necessary so that people fully understand how the system works and benefit from it,” he said.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation towards achieving reliable and affordable electricity supply in Kano State.
