Industry experts and professionals gathered in Kano on Monday evening to address energy challenges hindering economic progress in northern Nigeria.
Hosted by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Kano State Chapter, the event focused on solutions to the regional energy crisis under the theme “Energy and Economic Crisis in Northern Nigeria: The Way Forward.”
Mr. Ahmad Sajoh, a Senior Public Affairs Analyst, highlighted the lack of unified leadership and political will as a core obstacle to advancing the region’s power infrastructure.
“Our biggest issue is fragmentation. Strengthening the national grid is our best option. The current radial system is weak and outdated,” Sajoh explained, emphasizing the need for a more robust transmission system to serve the region.
Sajoh also criticized northern leaders’ reluctance to invest in cleaner energy options and urged local stakeholders to advocate for institutional strength.
“Our leaders aren’t prioritizing cleaner energy solutions. It’s time we focus on fortifying institutions and fostering self-reliance. The intersection between our power grid and the greed of some leaders is alarming,” he stated.
Echoing Sajoh’s concerns, Ahmad Muhammad Sarari pointed out the impact of power blackouts on northern Nigeria’s economy, especially the entertainment industry.
“We’ve lost billions due to power issues, causing acute water shortages and increased costs for fuel and operations. Over 5,000 production studios have halted, affecting internet access and connectivity. This sector alone contributes 2.3 percent of our GDP,” he noted, highlighting the disparity in power allocation between the north and other regions.
Chief Technical Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Kasim Abdullahi Burkullu, underscored the flaws in the current transmission model.
“Our grid should operate on a ring system, not radial. Vandalism has worsened these issues, with multiple transmission towers damaged. Northern Nigeria holds enormous investment potential, but we need a shift in approach,” Burkullu said.
CITAD’s Executive Director, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, emphasized that energy is essential to all sectors and called for proactive measures to prevent future crises.
“Without energy, nothing functions – everything stops. We need actionable solutions, not just discussions,” Ya’u affirmed.
Engr. Musa Muhammad criticized the inadequate federal support and emphasized the need for a dedicated agenda to spur northern economic development.
“A lack of leadership has left the north stagnant. Projects like the AKK gas pipeline could enable us to build power plants in Kano and Kaduna. Other regions have their agendas; we need ours,” Muhammad urged.
Kannywood filmmaker Hamisu Lamido Iyantama expressed frustration over chronic power shortages, insisting that incremental improvements could have alleviated the current crisis.
“We were struggling with low power supply even before the recent blackout. Successive governments should have added 20 megawatts annually – by now, we would be in a different place,” Iyantama remarked.
As northern Nigeria faces ongoing energy and economic challenges, the experts emphasized a need for systemic reform, enhanced infrastructure, and consistent leadership to support sustainable growth and stability in the region.
