By joshua 
Kogi State Govt Achieves Milestone in Electricity Access with Mini-Grid Permit Issuance
The Kogi State Government has made a significant stride towards achieving reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for its citizens, especially those in underserved and unserved communities.
Engr. Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, Chairman/CEO of the Kogi Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), disclosed this at the Mini-Grid Permit Issuance ceremony for mini-grid developers and investors.
Abdwaaris described the permit issuance as a game-changer for Kogi State’s electricity market, marking a shift towards a regulated, investable, and accountable market outcome.
He emphasized that the permits are regulatory contracts, conferring rights and imposing obligations on safety, technical standards, and service quality.
Other speakers at the event included; Prof. Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Commissioner for Legal and License of the Commission, who emphasized that mini-grid development is critical to advancing economic growth and improving access to electricity.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Energy and Rural Development, Engr. Muhammed Abdulmutalib, hailed the permit issuance as another milestone by Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s administration in improving socio-economic development in the state.
Engr. Michael Enema Meliga, Vice Chairman, KERC, who spoke on technical expectations, Engr. Abdulsalam Yusuf, who discussed tariff, billing, and collection and Prof. Ibrahim Abdulkarim, who spoke on compliance and enforcement described the permit issuance as another watershed in the electricity market of the State.
They all added that permits are expected to boost economic growth, improve livelihoods, and support small and medium-scale enterprises in rural and semi-urban communities.