By Jabir Ridwan
Confident of positive results from the strategic measures of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris towards achieving a stable electricity supply in Kebbi State, the Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has partnered with the State Government to improve power supply across the state.
The Forum, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) comprising technocrats and human rights activists committed to justice and good governance, has collaborated with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to undertake a statewide sensitisation and advocacy campaign.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
According to the statements, The initiative targets electricity consumers and service providers on efficient electricity usage and consumer rights.
The Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Gwandu, disclosed details of the comprehensive joint consultative and strategic advocacy programme during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III, as the Forum commenced its sensitisation tour of the four emirates in the state.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at complementing the Kebbi State Government’s efforts towards improving electricity supply across the state.
Alhaji Gwandu further highlighted the operational strategies for the tour, which include enhancing customer awareness and education on electricity usage, strengthening knowledge of consumer rights, and improving complaints redress mechanisms.
He said the programme would also educate customers on their rights to quality and reliable electricity services, transparent billing, proper metering, and compensation in cases where customers invest in electricity infrastructure.
The KDF Chairman commended the exemplary and patriotic leadership of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris, noting the procurement of a transformer valued at over ₦600 million and the allocation of a monthly support fund of ₦150 million to KAEDCO to enhance electricity supply in the state.
He informed the Emir that the sensitisation exercise would involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government councils, industrial and trade unions, as well as other stakeholders in electricity regulation and management.
Alhaji Gwandu solicited the support of the Royal Father towards achieving the objectives of the programme.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami, commended the foresight of the Forum in initiating what he described as a laudable programme capable of protecting electricity consumers from exploitation.
A visibly concerned Emir declared that, with the new development, his subjects would no longer be shortchanged or compelled to pay for the replacement of damaged transformers and electric poles, or charged monthly bills for services not rendered.
He added, “If His Excellency, the Executive Governor, can be so caring as to make such patriotic interventions for the benefit of his people, who then will deny the people their rights?”
In the presence of his guests, the Emir constituted a high-powered committee comprising traditional rulers, respected community leaders, and other stakeholders, under the chairmanship of the Chief of Dabai, Alhaji Suleiman M. Sami. The committee was tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on communities within the emirate facing electricity supply challenges for necessary action.
A town hall interactive session involving stakeholders and consumers was later held at the Zuru Town Hall, where consumers openly expressed their grievances over electricity supply.