By Editor
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for collaboration with the Kano State Government on plans to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission aimed at strengthening reforms in the power sector.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by CITAD to the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, where both sides discussed areas of cooperation, including policy development, public sensitisation and regulatory support.
The CITAD delegation was led by its Senior Programmes Officer, Mr. Isa Garba, who represented the Executive Director of the Centre. The team was received by the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, alongside senior ministry officials, including the Director of Planning and Statistics.
Speaking at the meeting, both parties stressed the need for a strong regulatory framework to guide electricity supply in the state, with CITAD expressing readiness to support the development and implementation of policies that would guide the proposed commission.
Dr. Shehu said Kano State was already taking steps towards establishing an electricity regulatory agency, adding that a draft electricity bill had been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration.
“The lawmakers now bear the responsibility of ensuring that the proposed law reflects the needs and interests of Kano residents,” he said.
The discussions also reviewed experiences from other states where similar laws had been implemented, with concerns raised over rising electricity tariffs. Participants noted that such increases were often linked to subsidy removal and higher operational costs, stressing the need for a careful and people-centred approach in Kano.
The ministry commended CITAD for the visit, describing it as a key stakeholder in public engagement and policy advocacy. Both sides agreed on the need for sustained collaboration to improve public understanding of electricity reforms, particularly citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Dr. Shehu further said that once the electricity law is passed, continuous public sensitisation would be required to help residents understand its implications and ensure it delivers maximum benefit to the people.
The meeting ended with a commitment by both parties to deepen partnership towards improving access to reliable and affordable electricity in Kano State.