When the governors of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states – Malam Abba Kabir Yusuf, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, and Malam Umar Namadi – sat down in Marrakech, Morocco, between October 16 and 19, 2025, for a high-level meeting with Future Energies Africa, the core investor in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), it was more than a routine policy dialogue. It marked the dawn of a new era in Nigeria’s electricity landscape because the meeting fully embraces the spirit of decentralisation made possible by the removal of electricity from the Exclusive Legislative List of Nigeria’s constitution.

The landmark decision by these three northern states to jointly develop a Tri-State Electricity Market and acquire equity in Future Energies Africa is, therefore, a practical demonstration of subnational collaboration in a liberalised energy environment. It is a forward-looking move that aligns perfectly with the 2023 Electricity Act, which grants states the constitutional right to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their jurisdictions. The legislation was hailed as an unprecedented shift capable of changing the dynamics of power governance in Nigeria as indeed, the market is beginning to shift from monopoly to decentralisation.

For decades, Nigeria’s electricity sector was shackled by a centralised framework that placed all regulatory, policy, and operational control at the federal level. State governments, despite being closer to the people and better positioned to understand local energy demands, had little to no say in the electricity value chain.

This changed dramatically in 2023 when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law. The Act, building on the constitutional amendment removing electricity from the Exclusive Legislative List, devolved significant authority to state governments to legislate, regulate, and license electricity operations within their boundaries.

Since then, several states have seized the opportunity. Lagos, Ekiti, and Edo have already established their own electricity regulatory bodies and initiated subnational power projects aimed at improving supply reliability and encouraging private sector participation. In Lagos, for example, the Lagos state Electricity Policy and the Lagos State Electricity Bill have laid the foundation for a more competitive local market. Similarly, in Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has partnered with Ossiomo Power Company to provide power for government facilities and industrial clusters.

Against this national backdrop, the decision by Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to jointly chart a new electricity future through KEDCO represents Northern Nigeria’s most coordinated response yet to the new federal energy order, with the Tri-State partnership introducing a regional synergy model to the electricity market devolution conversations.

At the Marrakech meeting, the three governors, along with key legislators, commissioners, and power-sector technocrats, engaged in a series of strategic sessions with Future Energies Africa, the core investor in KEDCO, to explore the modalities for establishing a joint regional electricity market.

The idea is as simple as it is transformative: to create an integrated power ecosystem that leverages the unique comparative advantages of each state while consolidating resources, policy direction, and governance through a shared energy framework.

Under the proposed arrangement, the three states will jointly acquire equity stakes in Future Energies Africa, the core investor that holds a controlling interest in KEDCO. This strategic stake gives the states not only a seat at the table but also a tangible say in how electricity is distributed, priced, and expanded within their jurisdictions. It’s an approach that aligns public interest with private capital, a balance that has often eluded Nigeria’s electricity industry.

Perhaps, the calibre of people in the Marrakech meeting was also a statement of intent, as the Speakers of Katsina and Jigawa States, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Saif and Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin; Commissioners for Power in Kano and Jigawa, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu and Dr. Surajo Alhaji Musa; and the Special Adviser to the Katsina Governor on Power, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, all made the trip. The Attorney General of Jigawa, Hon. Bello Fanini Abubakar, also participated, signalling that the partnership will be legally sound and grounded in mutual accountability.

Also very instructive is the presence of Commissioner Dafe C. Akpeneye from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) whose attendance provided additional credibility, reaffirming that the initiative aligns with national regulatory frameworks and the principles of the 2023 Electricity Act.

Then, there is the X-factor of Dr. Abubakar Jimeta. I reckon that no discussion about KEDCO’s future can be complete without acknowledging the steady and visionary leadership of its Managing Director. Since assuming office, Jimeta has repositioned KEDCO from a struggling regional utility into a company that not only embraces innovation but also builds credible partnerships to drive sustainable growth.

His approach, which is anchored on efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder engagement, has restored confidence in the company’s operations. Under his watch, KEDCO has improved its metering programmes, reduced Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses, and expanded access to underserved communities through targeted electrification initiatives.

Now, with the Tri-State partnership taking shape, Jimeta’s expertise will be indispensable. The complexity of aligning three state governments, a core investor, regulatory agencies, and technical partners requires a leader who combines institutional knowledge with diplomatic finesse.

Dr. Jimeta’s long-standing experience in the power sector, his understanding of Nigeria’s regulatory environment, and his proven commitment to service excellence uniquely position him to translate this ambitious vision into measurable results. His leadership style which has been known to be collaborative yet results-driven, will be the stabilising force KEDCO needs as it transitions into this new, hybrid model of public-private ownership.

As one of the key participants in the Marrakech summit, Jimeta’s contributions were particularly instrumental in aligning the discussions around KEDCO’s long-term operational sustainability and the states’ development priorities. His emphasis on data-driven decision-making, cost-reflective investments, and customer-centric innovation resonated deeply with the governors and technical partners present.

As we look ahead, it is worth reiterating that the decision by Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to build a Tri-State Electricity Market under the KEDCO framework could well serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to take charge of their energy destinies. It represents a practical embodiment of the federal government’s decentralisation policy as it promises to reduce the inefficiencies of a monolithic power grid while empowering states to innovate locally.

The partnership’s success could unlock multiple benefits, including but not limited to enhanced supply reliability: By developing decentralised generation and distribution networks, the states can ensure more stable and predictable electricity access for homes, businesses, and industries.

Another area that can benefit immensely from this partnership is job creation and economic stimulation. Energy access is the foundation of modern industrialisation. The initiative will attract investment in manufacturing, ICT, and agriculture, creating new jobs across the region.

Then, there’s the expectation of improved revenue and governance. Indeed, equity participation in the electricity market provides states with sustainable revenue streams, while shared governance structures enhance accountability.

There is also the increased assurance of energy justice and inclusivity. A decentralised approach allows local communities, especially those in rural areas, to benefit directly from targeted electrification projects without having to go through the rigours that hampered connectivity in the past.

As Commissioner Akpeneye of NERC remarked during the summit, this partnership “signifies a new maturity in Nigeria’s electricity discourse; one where regional collaboration replaces competition, and innovation replaces bureaucracy.”

The imperative for the Tri-State partnership between Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, facilitated by Future Energies Africa and anchored on the operational strength of KEDCO, cannot be overemphasised. It is more than an economic agreement; it’s a strategic vision for regional prosperity. It signals the North’s readiness to take full advantage of the post-decentralisation electricity landscape, using energy as a lever for development, job creation, and industrial expansion.

At the heart of this transformative journey stands Dr. Abubakar Jimeta, whose leadership continues to inspire confidence among investors, regulators, and state partners alike. His stewardship will be vital in translating the Marrakech commitments into tangible outcomes, turning policy aspirations into power realities.

If the 2023 Electricity Act opened the door to state-led energy reform, then this Tri-State initiative is Northern Nigeria’s bold step through that door, ushering in a new era of regional energy independence, economic resilience, and shared progress. I reckon much of the confidence to undertake this bold journey comes from Jimeta’s leadership of KEDCO, which has not only ensured that the lights remain on, but also light the path to the future.