Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has flagged off the distribution of 500 electricity transformers across the 44 local government areas of the state, in what he described as a key step toward fulfilling his campaign promise of expanding electricity access, particularly in rural areas.
The event took place on Sunday at the Rural Electricity Board (REB) along Maganda Road in Kano, where the governor handed over the first batch of the transformers, which he said were procured from “reputable companies outside Nigeria.”
“I stand before you today with great pride for this first phase of the distribution of 500 units of various types of transformers across the 44 Local Government Areas,” Governor Yusuf said in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The distribution includes 500KVA, 300KVA, and 200KVA transformers. Yusuf said they would be shared with communities based on their electricity needs.
“Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in fulfilling one of our campaign promises for the good people of Kano State, especially rural communities that have been deprived of access to electricity for quite a long time,” he added.
The governor also said that electricity is essential for development. “Access to reliable and stable electricity is not just a basic need; it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, industrial development, improved healthcare, quality education, and, of course, the overall social well-being of our people,” he said.
Yusuf explained that the project was done in partnership with all 44 local governments and urged residents to take care of the equipment. “I urge you to protect and safeguard these transformers to ensure their sustainability and contribution to our collective development,” he said.
He also disclosed that the state-owned electricity company has started evacuating power from the 10-megawatt Tiga Hydro-Power Generation Plant, which, according to him, will help improve electricity supply.
Yusuf said additional alternative energy projects would follow to support small and medium-scale businesses across the state.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji AbdulKadir Abdulsalam, said the transformers would “help light up schools, mosques, churches, and boost small businesses in remote communities.”
The Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Hajiya Sa’adu Yusha’u, said the distribution would “further deepen peace and stability by addressing long-standing community needs.”
Also present at the event, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, said the administration’s efforts were helping to “simplify living conditions” for ordinary people.
