By Rabiu Sanusi
Kano state government is partnering Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to attract $23.5 million worth investment and wealth creation in energy sector.
The investment opportunity being conceptualized under Governor Initiative to Energize the Economy of Kano State (GEEKS) programme focuses on reforming energy supply to energize industrialization and core sectors of the economy in the state.
Receiving the conceptual framework of GEEKS programme during the 18th Executive Council (ExCo) at the Government house, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the team for a well articulated blueprint to drive the initiative.
In statement by spokesman of the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the team, composed of representatives of the state government and Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), earlier took the council on the graphic presentation on the road map engendered to stimulate economic growth.
Country Director, TBI, Joy Dariye explained the energy sector reform road map is driven through key objectives, including strategic planning for State electricity market development and universal access focused on intensifying use of electricity for commercial and industrial activities.
Victor Adamu, TBI Team Lead Energy & Climate, Nigeria, emphasized the reform also encompasses mapping the State in electricity demand lots based on demography and creating electrification pathways to drive universal access to electricity in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, he mentioned that Kano state will de-risk electrification projects by leading project preparation such that projects are ready for private investment and development.
Besides, the TBI Energy & Climate Lead in Nigeria disclosed that the GEEKS initiative will enable the state to transition its transportation sector from conventional fuels dependent to electric powered vehicles, starting with the conversion of existing 2-3 wheelers to e-Vehicles. This is expected to be achieved through the set up of local assembly and manufacturing activities in the State. The 3-wheeler market currently grosses over N1 trillion annually, excluding capital cost. Subsequent phases will integrate e-taxis and buses for mass transit.
He added that the program will also drive productive use of renewable energy in agriculture and health sectors. This is through the deployment of solar-PV systems with energy storage for hospitals starting with all Primary health care centres and subsidized solar irrigation pumps, milling machines and cold storage systems for small holder farmers across the State.
Joy Dariye, the TBI Nigeria Country Director highlighted the economic benefits and employment opportunity engendered in the GREEKS program. According to her, the GEEKS program is targeted to attract millions of dollars investment in the energy sector to energized industrial growth and create over 1 million jobs within 3 years. ” The project will also support the restoration of year-round agricultural production practices, increasing production by 35%. With energised Primary Health Care centres, it is expected that mortality rates will drop significantly, Dariye added.
Dawakin-Tofa, in the release said Governor Yusuf is committed to leverage on the symbiotic partnership between the TBI and Kano state government to build growth and development in Kano.
“The administration of Governor Abba Yusuf will lean on internal state resources with support from development partners in the form of concessional financing and technical assistance to catalyse robust private sector investments, the statement reads.”
The initiative is being facilitated by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Renewable Energy Engr. Abduljabbar Muhammad Nanono.
