Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy and Energy Security to accelerate the state’s transition to clean and affordable energy.
The governor made the disclosure while delivering a special address at the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit, West Africa’s leading energy forum, held at the Landmark Convention Centre in Lagos.
Represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal Jobe, Radda said the new ministry would coordinate all energy-related initiatives across the state, expand electricity access in rural communities, and promote investment in solar, wind, hydro, and gas-based projects.
“This pioneering ministry will consolidate our progress, strengthen coordination, and ensure that energy remains reliable, affordable, and accessible to every citizen,” the governor stated.
Radda listed several ongoing clean-energy projects in Katsina, including the deployment of over 10 megawatts of solar systems with 10 megawatt-hours of battery storage across key public facilities such as hospitals, universities, and waterworks.
He revealed that the state had completed a 1MW solar plant at the State Secretariat, which now powers government offices and reduces dependence on diesel generators.
The governor also disclosed that the state’s Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas (LNG/CNG) facility, developed in partnership with Greenville LNG Limited, is over 90 percent complete and will soon be commissioned.
“Once operational, the facility will support vehicle conversion to CNG and enable gas-based power generation at a lower cost than diesel or petrol,” he explained.
Radda highlighted Katsina’s renewable potential, noting that the state hosts Nigeria’s first and only wind farm — the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Project — which would soon be hybridised with solar to create one of West Africa’s first wind-solar hybrid systems.
He disclosed ongoing discussions with the Federal Government for the wind farm’s formal handover to the state.
The governor further mentioned a 1MW mini-hydro project at Danja Dam, developed with support from the French Treasury and Oceans Énergie, to supply electricity to rural communities and irrigation schemes.
He added that Katsina is collaborating with Kano and Jigawa States through the Future Energies Africa initiative to establish a North-West Regional Electricity Market aimed at improving power supply and attracting private investment.
Radda said the state has begun deploying stand-alone solar systems to power micro and small-scale enterprises — including welding workshops, cold rooms, and ICT hubs — enabling young entrepreneurs to reduce costs and operate sustainably.
He maintained that Katsina’s clean energy drive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Decade of Gas” vision and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
“Energy security is the foundation of education, healthcare, and economic prosperity. Our focus remains to expand off-grid access and ensure every school, hospital, and water facility in Katsina operates on clean, dependable power,” Radda said.
The Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit attracted top policymakers and investors, including the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and several development partners from across West Africa.
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