Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has taken a bold step toward securing the state’s energy future after concluding a high-level meeting in Paris with French wind technology giant, Vergnet, and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The meeting, held on November 17, 2025, marked a decisive push to revive the dormant 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm and expand it into a 20MW hybrid power facility with the addition of a 10MW solar plant.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Radda said the project sits at the heart of his administration’s plan to deliver clean, stable, and affordable electricity to Katsina residents.
“This hybridization project is central to our strategy for energy independence, industrial competitiveness, and attracting investment to Katsina State,” he stated.
Vergnet CEO, Jérôme Gacoin, revealed that a comprehensive technical assessment of the wind farm’s turbines, electrical systems, and grid architecture is already in progress and will be completed by December 17, 2025. According to him, the assessment will clear the path for engineering, procurement, and construction works, with full commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Energy experts from KEDCO—Ahmad Rufai Zakari, OON, and Habib Ahmed Daura—confirmed that the company will serve as the primary off-taker for the electricity generated.
“KEDCO will purchase power from the facility under a structured power purchase agreement and feed it into the distribution network for consumers across Katsina and neighbouring states,” Zakari said.
The hybrid system is designed to blend wind and solar generation to guarantee year-round reliability and reduce cost fluctuations. Governor Radda’s Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, explained that the approach directly solves the seasonal nature of wind patterns.
“By pairing wind with solar during peak sunlight hours, we guarantee consistent electricity supply and maximize the facility’s capacity utilization,” he noted.
Vergnet’s delegation—including Export Manager Frédéric Cheve, Africa Business Advisor Alexandre Allouche, and Nigeria Representative Ma’asum Auwal Jibrin—praised the Katsina governor for his proactive engagement and clear policy direction.
Gacoin added:
“Governor Radda’s hands-on leadership sets a model for renewable energy acceleration in northern Nigeria. Katsina’s proactive stance strengthens the foundation for national energy resilience.”
The Lambar Rimi Wind Farm, Nigeria’s first utility-scale wind power installation, has remained largely inactive for years due to technical and commercial bottlenecks. The revival aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to take a leading role in energy development.
When completed in 2026, the 20MW hybrid facility is expected to significantly boost electricity supply, enhance industrial productivity, and position Katsina as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.
