From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Katsina State government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Paris-based company, Ocean Solutions Energie, to expand access to sustainable electricity.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, signed the MoU following critical engagement with development partners and industry experts in Paris, France.
Ocean Solution Energie, a French-based company that specialises in the co-development of renewable energy projects in Africa, was represented by its chairman, Mr. Minkaila Salami.
The company’s boss shared a vision with the Katsina State government to advance renewable energy solutions, supporting Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and expanding access to sustainable electricity.
In line with these objectives, Governor Radda revealed plans to establish a mini hydroelectric power station as part of a pilot project.
The statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to Katsina Governor, made available in Abuja, noted that the Governor revealed that the initiative will focus on providing reliable, renewable energy to local communities and will serve as a model for future hydroelectric developments across the state’s 43 dams.
“The Katsina State government is committed to providing financial support to ensure the successful installation and long-term sustainability of the power station,” the governor assured in the statement.
Governor Radda, according to the statement, further stated that the pilot project located in Danja Dam is designed to provide energy to critical local infrastructure, including irrigation systems, a water treatment plant, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and households.
The new MoU aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023, which emphasises decentralised energy solutions, integration of renewable sources into the Nigerian power grid, and fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 on affordable and clean energy.