Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed concern over the persistent poor power supply especially in Kogi East Senatorial District and other parts of the State.
Alhaji Ali Atabor, Head Public Affairs, KERC, the Governor made this known during a working visit to the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) headquarters in Lokoja this Wednesday.
While addressing the KERC team, Governor Ododo stated that the situation is unacceptable and urged the commission to take immediate action to address the issue.
He emphasized that his administration sees the poor power supply to Kogi East Senatorial district especially as a major challenge that needs to be tackled head-on.
The Governor welcomed the commission’s decision to issue licenses to mini-grid developers, saying this would complement Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited’s efforts to improve power supply.
He urged KERC to follow up stringently with
the developers to ensure compliance with standards and safety protocols.
The Governor assured the Mini grid developers of his administration’s support and protection for their investments.
Governor Ododo tasked the KERC management to ensure stable, cost reflective and efficient electricity supply to towns and communities, noting that the commission has the expertise to achieve this goal.
The Chairman/CEO of KERC, Engr Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, highlighted the commission’s achievements, including licensing mini-grid developers and establishing a special court and taskforce to tackle electricity theft.
The Chairman/CEO emphasized that the issuance of Mini grid certificates to the Developers is targeted to resolve the poor electricity in the eastern senatorial district in unserved and underserved areas in that region.
He said, over one hundred communities in the eastern senatorial district will be electrified with this arrangement.
He appreciates Governor Ododo for his continuous support to enable the KERC delivers its statutory oversight mandate.
The Governor thanked the commission for the excellent service award conferred on him and assured continued support for KERC’s efforts to improve power supply in the state.
The APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, who accompanied the Governor on the visit, praised Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to providing electricity to unserve and underserved areas in Kogi state.