By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Manufacturers in Kano State have signaled plans to bypass electricity distribution companies (DisCos), and source power directly from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), to address the crippling energy shortages hampering industrial production.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kano Branch, made this known during a recent visit to NDPHC’s headquarters, where they sought inclusion in the company’s Eligible Customer Programme.
The delegation, led by Ali Madugu, Managing Director of Dala Foods, stressed that steady power supply is vital to reviving industries and safeguarding jobs in the state.
In her response, NDPHC Managing Director/CEO, Jennifer Adighije, welcomed the request and pledged the company’s readiness to collaborate with manufacturers within regulatory frameworks and infrastructure readiness.
“We are committed to partnering with the manufacturing sector to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and boost socio-economic development.
“Within the eligible customer framework, we are ready to work with MAN in Kano to make this happen,” Adighije said.
She highlighted recent progress in plant availability, including the revival of Omotosho and Alaoji power plants, noting that NDPHC plans to commercialize 200 megawatts of its stranded 2,000 megawatts by the end of 2025.
Supporting her remarks, NDPHC Executive Directors; Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama (Corporate Services, Commercial and Strategy) and Bello Babayo Bello (Networks), outlined a roadmap for Kano manufacturers to access available power.
Adighije also criticized the poor energy uptake by DisCos, which she said has limited NDPHC’s ability to fully deploy its capacity.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with both sides describing the partnership as a pathway to unlocking Kano’s industrial potential and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
