Ibrahim Sani shawai
Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna’s tenure as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) provides a measurable example of his capacity to manage complex institutions and deliver results.
One of the most significant indicators of KEDCO’s transformation under his leadership was the increase in monthly revenue collection from approximately ₦634 million to nearly ₦5 billion—an almost eightfold rise.
The company’s monthly collections progressively crossed the ₦1 billion and ₦2 billion thresholds, exceeded ₦3 billion by November 2019, and eventually approached ₦5 billion before the end of his tenure.
This achievement was not merely an increase in revenue. It reflected broader improvements in KEDCO’s financial discipline, commercial operations, institutional accountability and use of technology.
The transformation was driven by reforms that included: Improved customer metering and energy accounting; Comprehensive customer and asset validation; Deployment of technology and business intelligence systems; Stronger revenue-protection measures; Data- driven
operational management; and Greater
accountability across the company.
Leadership is often described with words such as visionary, competent, innovative and experienced. However, measurable results provide a more credible basis for evaluating performance.
Moving KEDCO’s monthly collections from ₦634 million to nearly ₦5 billion required more than ambition; it demanded professional knowledge, disciplined execution, institutional reform and sustained management oversight.
The KEDCO experience therefore offers an important insight into the leadership Dr Gwamna could bring to Gombe State.
Although managing a state is broader and more complex than running a commercial enterprise, the underlying principles of effective leadership remain relevant: prudent resource management, strong institutions, technological innovation, reliable data, clear performance targets and accountability.
Gombe State possesses considerable human, agricultural and natural resources. The challenge is to convert those assets into employment, investment, improved infrastructure, stronger public services and better living conditions.
Dr. Gwamna’s record at KEDCO suggests an ability to identify institutional weaknesses, assemble effective teams, introduce practical reforms and establish systems capable of producing measurable outcomes.
Applied to public administration, this experience could support more efficient revenue management, better planning, reduced waste, improved service delivery and stronger accountability across government institutions.
The transformation of KEDCO represents only one chapter in Dr. Gwamna’s professional record. Further assessments will examine other aspects of his career and consider how the knowledge and experience acquired over the years could contribute to the development of Gombe State.
The central message of the KEDCO record is clear: Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna has not only spoken about transformation—he has demonstrated the capacity to deliver it.
Ibrahim Sani Shawai
Media Aide to Dr Jami
l Isyaku Gwamna
17th Aug 2026