Kebbi State government will partner the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to develop independent power supply for the state through hydro-electric source.

A statement by Governor Atiku Bagudu’s Chief Press Secretary, Abubakar Dakingari, said the agreement was reached during an interactive session between a delegation of UNIDO and officials of the government led by Govenor Bagudu in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, there is the possibility that Kebbi will enjoy independent power supply through hydro-electric source, to be located in either Zauro, Kende or Zuru.

UNIDO’s representative to ECOWAS and Regional Director, Nigeria Regional Office, Jean Bankole said the organisation considered electricity supply as a critical sector of industrialisation without which industries and business could not survive.

He said energy supply was among the commitments of UNIDO towards conducting industrial policy for Kebbi State under the country’s programme for Nigeria.

Bankole added that $60 million would be spent to hasten industrial growth, economic entrepreneurship and poverty eradication.

He said: “The organisation will provide training skills and material back-up to medium and small scale entrepreneurship in realisation that women and youths who constitute majority of entrepreneurs in this category need of support.

“Most importantly, Kebbi State is endowed with several sources of power supply, including hydro-power, solar/wind energy as well as bio-power.”

Bagudu thanked the team for their presence in Kebbi, preparatory to implementing the UNIDO inclusive and industrial counterpart programme for the state and Nigeria. He said the success of industrialisation depends on the provision of power supply, stressing the need for establishing energy industrial cluster in the state.

He said: “The state will provide $1 million as its counterpart fund to the UNIDO programme for Nigeria and I hope that by 2020, some industries on ground will come on stream. It is important to note that Kebbi is naturally endowed with conducive climate and environment suitable for industries and investment.”