The Kano Electricity Distribution Company says it is set to commission a N1.1 billion electricity network expansion project at the Dawanau International Grain Market.

Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, the acting managing director of KEDCO, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site on Thursday.

The project included a Kilometre 33kV overhead line from the Bichi Transmission Station to Dawanau, which would significantly boost power supply to the market.

According to him, the project also comprises two substations, 500kVA transformers and low-tension distribution lines designed to serve Africa’s largest grain market.

Mr Jimeta said the initiative would support economic growth, reduce production costs and enhance food security.

“Dawanau market previously had just four hours of electricity supply daily. With this project, we will now provide more than 20 hours of power, increasing capacity by 10 megawatts. This will attract over 400 agro-processing businesses and reduce their operational costs by up to 80 per cent,” the acting MD said.

He said the power upgrade aligns with the Kano State Government’s Market Development Programme, “which is also supported by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Fund.”

A director on KEDCO’s board, Habib Ahmed Daura, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his administration’s support in actualising the project.

He acknowledged the contributions of Gaddafi Sani Shehu, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, and Sani Bala, managing director of the Kano State Rural Electricity Board.

KEDCO chairman Adamu Ibrahim-Gumel said the project would help unlock the industrial potential of the Dawanau cluster.

“As the largest grain hub in sub-Saharan Africa, improved electricity supply to Dawanau will increase our energy off-take and enhance revenue.

“The project is part of a broader plan by Future Energies Africa, KEDCO’s core investor, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the State Governments of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa,” he said.

He added that the company would continue to prioritise electricity supply to commercial and industrial zones to support economic growth.

The Dawanau Market is a key trade hub in the Sahel, playing a major role in regional food security.

(NAN)