KEDCO to commission ₦1.1bn power project for Africa’s largest grain market
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) is set to formally commission a ₦1.1 billion power infrastructure project designed to supply uninterrupted electricity to the Dawanau International Grain Market, recognised as the largest grain hub in Africa.
Following successful testing, the project is expected to significantly ease the chronic electricity shortages that have long plagued the market and stunted regional agro-industrial growth.
The infrastructure includes a newly completed 35-kilometre, 33kV overhead power line linking the Bichi Transmission Station to Dawanau Market. It also features two new substations, each equipped with 500KVA 33/.415 transformers and extensive low-tension distribution lines. Once fully operational, the system will provide over 20 hours of electricity daily, up from the previous average of four hours.
Funded through strategic investment by KEDCO’s core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA), in partnership with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, the project aims to modernise electricity infrastructure and catalyse industrial development in northern Nigeria.
KEDCO’s Acting Managing Director and CEO, Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, disclosed the commissioning timeline during a recent inspection tour in Kano. He described the upgrade as critical to the region’s socio-economic advancement.
“Dawanau Market is central to agricultural exports and food security in this region. This infrastructure will boost its electricity supply to over 20 hours daily, raise the market’s capacity by 10MW, and attract more than 400 medium and large-scale agro-processing firms,” Jimeta stated.
He added that this would reduce operating costs for businesses by up to 80 per cent and encourage sustainable expansion.
The project complements the Kano State Government’s broader market development strategy, supported by development finance institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Lives and Livelihood Fund (LLF), which have jointly committed over ₦628 million for additional improvements in waste management, security, and market facilities.
“This stable electricity supply is aligned with ongoing development initiatives and is designed to consolidate them,” Jimeta explained.
KEDCO Board Director, Alhaji Habib Ahmed Daura, commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to the development of Dawanau Market. He also acknowledged the contributions of key officials, including Dr Gaddafi Sani Shehu, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, and Engr. Sani Bala, Managing Director of the State Rural Electricity Board.
“The Governor’s team has provided consistent support, which has been instrumental in the success of this project,” said Daura.
Describing the initiative as transformative, KEDCO Chairman Adamu Gumel said it would unlock massive growth potential for both the company and regional commerce.
“This investment resolves longstanding constraints on industrial activity in the area and significantly enhances our energy distribution capacity. It is a strategic step toward financial and operational growth,” Gumel said.
Customers within the Dawanau cluster are advised to expect more stable electricity, reduced outages, and better supply for large-scale power users.
The initiative forms part of a wider push by Future Energies Africa to scale up power delivery across Northern Nigeria, with a focus on economic and industrial zones.
“Our goal is to drive development by expanding networks and generating reliable power,” Gumel added. “Targeting commercial and industrial hubs like Dawanau is key to that strategy.”
Located in northern Kano, Dawanau Market is a vital artery in West Africa’s agricultural trade, dealing in grains such as maize, sorghum, millet, and cowpeas. It supports cross-border commerce across the Sahel and contributes to food security for several nations.
With this new power infrastructure, the market is better positioned to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance storage, and support value-added processing activities like milling and packaging.
Jimeta concluded: “This is not just about energy, it’s about jobs, trade, and shared prosperity.”
The commissioning ceremony is expected in the coming days, with attendance from key figures in government and the private sector.