In a bold step toward reviving energy infrastructure and accelerating development, the Zamfara State Government has successfully cleared a longstanding electricity debt of ₦1 billion owed to the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO). The move marks a significant financial commitment by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to reposition the state for improved power access and economic growth.
The milestone was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the newly established Zamfara Electrification Agency (ZEA), Muzammil Idris, who spoke to journalists in Gusau on Thursday. Idris described the debt repayment as a vital prerequisite to unlocking the state’s broader development agenda, noting that the unpaid electricity bills had hindered progress in key sectors for years.
According to him, the absence of consistent energy supply has stifled operations in critical areas such as health care, education, agriculture, and security pillars that form the foundation of any thriving economy. With the debt now settled, the state is poised to push forward with electrification initiatives aimed at reversing years of infrastructural neglect.
To spearhead these efforts, the government has expanded the mandate of the ZEA beyond standard electrification duties. The agency is now charged with delivering power to unserved and underserved communities across all 14 local government areas of the state. A comprehensive 10-year working plan and implementation strategy has already been drawn up, outlining phased electrification targets and timelines.
Immediate priorities include restoring power in communities that have suffered outages and connecting previously isolated areas to the national grid. According to Idris, the agency aims to achieve grid access for all LGAs within a three-month window a task he describes as ambitious but attainable, especially with the support of stakeholders and the cooperation of KEDCO.
As part of preparations, the agency has met with the Kaduna Electricity Governing Board to explore strategies for expanding and stabilising supply. A dedicated assessment and implementation committee has been set up to identify critical areas for intervention and to oversee project rollout.
Looking ahead, ZEA plans to introduce the national metering policy to ensure transparent billing and improve revenue collection. This, Idris noted, will not only boost efficiency in electricity services but also contribute to better regulation and sustainability in the state’s power sector.
The settlement of the electricity debt and the launch of a structured electrification plan mark a turning point for Zamfara, a state that has long struggled with development due to limited energy access. With these new efforts, the government signals its resolve to build a more stable, inclusive, and economically vibrant future one powered by light.
