The Kebbi State Government has approved the release of N650 million for the procurement and installation of a 15-megavolt-ampere (15MVA) power transformer, in a decisive move aimed at improving electricity supply and reducing persistent power outages across the state. The intervention underscores the administration’s willingness to directly address infrastructure bottlenecks that continue to affect households, businesses, and public services.
The approval was announced in Birnin Kebbi by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala-Tafida, during a media briefing on recent decisions taken by the state government. According to him, the transformer project is part of broader efforts by the administration of Nasir Idris to ease the economic and social hardship caused by unreliable electricity supply.
Electricity challenges have remained a recurring concern for residents of Kebbi State, with frequent outages disrupting small businesses, increasing operating costs for manufacturers and traders, and affecting the delivery of essential public services such as healthcare and water supply. Bala-Tafida noted that the new transformer is expected to significantly improve load capacity and system stability, particularly in high-demand areas of the state.
What the government is saying
While electricity distribution is the statutory responsibility of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO), the Kebbi State Government said it deemed it necessary to intervene in the interest of its citizens.
“Although power distribution falls under the purview of KAEDCO, the Kebbi State Government considered it expedient to step in and alleviate the suffering of residents caused by persistent and epileptic power supply,” Bala-Tafida said. He explained that the decision reflects the administration’s people-centred approach, especially at a time when energy costs and operational challenges are placing pressure on local economies.
Beyond the one-off N650 million transformer project, the SSG disclosed that the state government also provides monthly financial support of N150 million to KAEDCO. This recurring intervention, he said, is intended to enhance service delivery, support maintenance activities, and ensure a more sustainable electricity supply framework within the state.
Bala-Tafida also appealed to residents to play their part by promptly paying electricity bills and avoiding illegal connections, stressing that improved cooperation between consumers, the government, and the distribution company is critical to sustaining gains in power supply. According to him, enhanced revenue collection will enable KAEDCO to invest more in network upgrades and fault resolution.
Broader development context
The transformer project fits into a wider pattern of public investment by the Kebbi State Government across key social and economic sectors. In October, the state approved N4.05 billion for the rehabilitation of seven General Hospitals, a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving access to quality medical services across urban and rural communities.
In the education sector, the government approved N1.4 billion for the procurement of school furniture for public schools, addressing long-standing shortages that have affected learning conditions. To improve data-driven governance, an additional N900 million was approved as a take-off grant for the newly established Kebbi State Bureau of Statistics, with Umar Usman appointed as the substantive Statistician-General.
The state has also announced plans to recruit 500 additional health workers and to absorb 390 staff members previously engaged under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) into the state workforce. This is particularly significant for Kebbi, which has long struggled with shortages of healthcare personnel, especially at the level of Primary Healthcare Centres.
Investment and outlook
Governor Idris has consistently linked infrastructure improvements, including power supply, to the state’s broader economic ambitions. In February 2025, he disclosed that the state had attracted over N330 billion in foreign investment targeted at boosting tourism and preserving cultural heritage. Reliable electricity, analysts note, is a critical enabler for such investments, particularly in hospitality, creative industries, and small-scale manufacturing.
By approving the N650 million transformer project and sustaining monthly support to KAEDCO, the Kebbi State Government is signalling a pragmatic approach to development—one that prioritises immediate solutions to pressing challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. If effectively implemented, the intervention could ease power-related constraints, lower business costs, and improve overall quality of life for residents across the state.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
