Kano State government is partnering Tony Blair Institute (TBI) for global change to attract $23.5m worth of investment and wealth creation in energy sector.
The investment opportunity being conceptualised under Governor Initiative to Energise the Economy of Kano State (GEEKS) programme is focusing on reforming energy supply to boost industrialisation and core sectors of the economy in the state.
Receiving the conceptual framework of GEEKS programme during the 18th Executive Council at the Government House, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the team for a well-articulated blueprint to drive the initiative.
The Spokesman of the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, in a statement 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 roadmap is driven through key core objectives, including strategic planning for State electricity market development and universal access focused on intensifying use of electricity for commercial and industrial activities.”
Dariye emphasizsed the reform also encompassed mapping the state in electricity demand lots based on demography and creating an electrification pathways to renew the efficiency of users.
Country Director, TBI, Obianuju Uchenna, said that when the programme is actilualised, Kano State would lead project preparation to fulfill reliable and sustainable electricity supply to all demand lots and de-risk the electrification projects for private sector investments.
Besides, the TBI Deputy Country Director disclosed the initiative would enable the state to transit its transportation sector from conventional fuels driven to electric-powered vehicles. He added that the programme would also drive productive use of renewable energy in agriculture and health sectors.
“Starting with the conversion of fossil fuel two-three wheelers to e-vehicles through local assembly and manufacturing activities, a market that is currently grossing over N1 trillion yearly, excluding capital cost. Subsequent phases will integrate e-taxis and buses for mass transit.
“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.
“Local assembly/ manufacturing of productive use of energy equipment and capacity building for support services”.
Uchenna explained.
Victor Adamu, TBI Team Lead Energy & Climate, Nigeria, who took turn also emphasized on the economic viability and employment opportunity engenders in the GREEKS program.
According to him, the GEEKS programme is targeted to attract millions of dollars investment in the energy sector will no less energized industrial growth and create over 1 million jobs within 3 years.
“ The project will enhance year-round agricultural production practices are restored increasing production by 35%; Hospitals no longer have electricity failure related mortality, with all health care centres powered by solar solutions”. Adamu added.
Dawakin-Tofa, in the release said Governor Yusuf is committed to leverage on the symbiotic partnership between the TBI 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.
