By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

In a bid to strengthen electricity supply across Kebbi State, the Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has partnered with the state government to support ongoing reforms and strategic interventions aimed at ensuring stable power supply for residents.

The Forum, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, expressed confidence in the measures introduced by Governor Nasir Idris, describing them as critical steps toward addressing the state’s longstanding electricity challenges.

KDF, a non-governmental organisation comprising technocrats and human rights activists committed to justice and good governance, disclosed that it has collaborated with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to embark on a statewide sensitisation and advocacy campaign targeting both electricity consumers and service providers.

Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Gwandu, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III, as the group commenced a sensitisation tour across the state’s four emirates.

Gwandu explained that the initiative is designed to complement the efforts of the state government by improving customer education on electricity usage, promoting awareness of consumer rights and strengthening complaint redress mechanisms.

According to him, the programme will also enlighten customers on their rights to quality and reliable service, transparent billing, proper metering and compensation in cases where consumers invest in electricity infrastructure.

He commended Governor Idris for what he described as exemplary leadership, noting that the administration recently procured a transformer valued at over ₦600 million and provides monthly support of ₦150 million to KAEDCO to enhance electricity supply across the state.

“The sensitisation will involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government councils, industrial and trade unions, as well as stakeholders in electricity regulation and management agencies,” Gwandu said, while seeking the Emir’s support to ensure the success of the programme.

In his response, the Emir of Zuru praised the Forum’s foresight, describing the initiative as a laudable step that would protect electricity consumers from exploitation.

“With this development, never again will my subjects be shortchanged, forced to pay for the replacement of damaged transformers and electric poles, or billed for services not rendered,” the monarch said.

He added that if the governor could make such interventions for the benefit of the people, no institution should deny them their rights.

The Emir subsequently constituted a high-powered committee comprising traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, to be chaired by the Chief of Dabai, Alhaji Suleiman M. Sami. The committee is expected to compile a comprehensive report on communities facing electricity supply challenges for necessary action.

A town hall meeting involving stakeholders and consumers was later held at the Zuru Town Hall, where residents openly expressed concerns over persistent electricity supply issues.