NIGERIA – The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved Kogi State’s plans to generate and distribute electricity, a move expected to enhance power supply and boost economic activities.
Kogi’s Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engineer Abdulmutalib Muhammed, announced the development following a State Executive Council meeting.
He emphasized that electrifying the state’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp is a priority, with a directive to complete the project within a week.
Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communication, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership.
He highlighted the administration’s focus on attracting investments, improving the state’s economy, and creating job opportunities for young people. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring security and citizens’ well-being.
Further showcasing Kogi’s development strides, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojona, revealed that over ₦9 billion (US$5.34m) has been invested in food security.
This investment, driven by the governor’s wet season farming initiative, allocated over ₦7 billion (US$4.15m) to farm inputs and deployed 100 tractors across 7,324 hectares of farmland, resulting in the lowest food inflation rate in the country.
Preparations are also underway for the Kogi International Carnival, slated for December 1-7, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering cultural and economic growth.
Sokoto State approves funds for power and infrastructure
Meanwhile, Sokoto State has approved ₦950 million (US$0.56m) to expedite its Independent Power Project (IPP) completion.
Launched initially during Senator Aliyu Wamakko’s administration, the project aims to deliver an additional 35 megawatts of electricity upon completion.
Sokoto’s Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, announced after a state executive council meeting. He emphasized that the original contractor would allocate the funding to ensure time completion.
In addition to the power project, the council approved several infrastructure initiatives, including ₦279 million (US$0.17m) for six blocks of hostels at Shehu Shagari College of Education, ₦192 million (US$0.11m) for three blocks of hostels at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic and ₦222 million (US$0.13m) for renovating the Waziri Junaidu History Bureau complex.
The council also authorized the purchase of vehicles for the Deputy Governor’s office and security agencies. It approved a Three-Year Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, which outlines future projects and funding strategies to be presented to the State House of Assembly.
These strategic investments underscore both states’ commitment to enhancing infrastructure, economic growth, and public welfare.
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