REA and Farmer Governor Umaru Bago: Pioneering Sustainable Growth through Renewable Energy in Niger State

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At Ballroom 1 of the Abuja Continental Hotel, the REA State-By-State Roundtable Engagement with Niger State provided a tremendous opportunity for stockholders and private investors to witness the collaboration between the Federal Government and Niger State through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The event focused on major power and renewable energy projects, particularly integrating solar solutions into rural communities for agricultural settlements, education, and healthcare, driving economic growth and sustainable development across Niger State. 

Niger State, known as the home of power, is playing a key role in showcasing opportunities for sustainable growth under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago's New Niger Agenda. Through his Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, the state is making significant strides in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in power and renewable energy.

The Theme: UNLOCKING NIGER STATE'S ENERGY POTENTIAL: SCALING DISTRIBUTED RENEWABLES TO POWER BROAD-BASED SUSTAINABLE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago described the initiative of REA, State Ministry of Power / Renewable Energy and the organisers of Roundtable Engagement as a very good and great opportunities for all Investors to come into Niger State and invest. That Niger State is ready to accommodate them no matter their numbers. We have opportunities to be unlocked for the benefits of all. Niger State is their home to invest for the development of entire country not only Niger State. 

He said the state is already leading by example in transitioning hospitals, public schools, and government offices into green facilities.  According to him, Niger state is the first sub-national government in Nigeria to establish a Green and Blue Economy Agency, staffed with professionals who understand climate finance, sustainability, and the future of development. 

He called on companies in Nigeria and conglomerates to set up factories for production of renewable, solar cells and batteries.  He said, “So, to make solar cells, you don’t even have to bring it from China.” He added that, “True sustainability demands something stronger than personalities. It requires resilient institutions systems that are faceless, enduring and capable of standing the test of time. And how renewable power can be made truly sustainable in Nigeria.

 “Infrastructure without economic activity will fail. You can build houses, but if people have no livelihoods, they cannot pay their mortgages. You can deploy renewable energy, but if people are not producing anything, they cannot pay for power. You can build hospitals, but without income, healthcare becomes unsustainable.”

“That is why Niger State took a bold step setting aside over 100,000 hectares of land for housing and agriculture under its flagship development program.” 

“The idea was simple: production creates revenue, revenue creates sustainability. When people produce, they can pay for energy, housing, healthcare, and education. When there is production, sustainability becomes natural,” he said.

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago also disclosed that the state government has made available an additional hectares of land from each of the 25 local government areas of the state for any investor that is willing to key into developing the state Renewable Energy for sustainable development growth of Niger State. He also disclosed that the Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC) Project, Niger State Government has presented a Certificate of Occupancy for 100,000 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Finance for the SIPC project, aimed at creating farm estates that incorporate solar power, housing, and agricultural infrastructure.

However, REA is heavily involved in the project, with reports of a $750 million fund approved by President Tinubu for rural electrification, expected to support power supply to these new integrated communities. The project aims to reduce dependence on the national grid by deploying on-site solar, supporting the state's vision for industrialized agriculture, healthcare, and education projects. This follows the successful launch of a 990kW interconnected mini-grid in Lambata, Gurara, Niger State, designed to power 3,900 homes and businesses, indicating a sustained commitment to renewable energy in the region.

And the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has restructured, establishing the Niger Electricity Distribution Company to operate under the state's new regulatory commission, allowing for more localized control of electricity distribution. These initiatives are part of a broader 2026 goal to prioritize renewable energy—particularly solar and hydropower—for underserved communities in Niger and across Nigeria. 

The certificates of occupancy, which make up for the 100,000 hectares, were from lands covering the Minna to Zungeru axis, Lapai to Lambata road, Minna to Bida road, Lapai to Paiko road and Minna to Suleja axis.

However, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, applauded the farmer governor Umaru Bago for his commitment to making sure that the project commences without delay for the overall benefit of Nigerlites, adding that the Rural Electrification Agency, which is a key stakeholder in the SIPC project, has up to 30 projects being developed in Niger State.

Eng. Doris Uboh, the Executive Director Rural Electrification Fund, REF talks about the opportunities in Niger State and why her department focuses on how funds can be manage also where it is necessary to invest. Especially in the areas of healthcare, education and agriculture for sustainable growth. While the Executive Director Corporate Service of REA, Ayoade Gboyega, did his presentation on Niger State goals and where all strategies areas can be sustainable for the state to benefit. Also for long-term investments and ways that renewable resources can help to shape in the state for many years to come.

And at the Roundtable Engagement, Mohammad Jibril- the Technical Advisor to the Managing Director REA, overview REA community mapping tool to showcase Niger State further on some parts of areas that REA can effectively address key initiatives to establish more power and renewable energy projects.

Earlier on, Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, who did the welcome address, introduced Niger State at the Roundtable Engagement to private Investors and stakeholders in power sectors, that Niger State landmark is the most important and larger which connects south and north of Nigeria. Therefore, Niger State is calling them to come over for investment.

While, Honourable Aminu Suleman Takuma, who is the Commissioner of Investment, Niger State, did his presentation on Renewable energy opportunities that covers the state. And expressed with confidence that Niger State is a place where investors can come for partnership. The investors will be given lots of opportunities to explore Niger State with good interest and demonstrating key characteristics for overall well-being and safety of every investors in Niger State.

Towards the end of the roundtable Engagement, the MOU was signed by Government of Niger State heavily represented by Farmer Governor Umaru Bago with his Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar and Rural Electrification Agency representatives.

For the closing remark, Honourable Suleiman Umar expresses his sincere appreciation to everyone who has made the event a success. He specially thanks the Farmer Governor, Umaru Bago, for his unwavering commitment to powering Niger State for his idea on New Niger Agenda to Light up Power State with renewable energy. 

He also acknowledges the presence of the REA Team, led by the Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and appreciates their dedication to rural electrification. And to the Representatives of the Federal Government, Senators, Honourable Members of the Federal House of Representatives and the esteemed Niger State House of Assembly Members, led by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Afiniki Dauda, Honourable Suleiman thanks them for their support and guidance. 

He also appreciates his colleagues, the Executive Council Members of Niger State, for their solidarity and cooperation. And to the esteemed investors, stakeholders and the press, He thanks them for their presence and for sharing the vision of Niger State for a sustainable future.

 "Let me assure you all that we will continue to work tirelessly to drive sustainable growth and development in Niger State." 

"Thank you, and may God bless Niger State and Nigeria." 

Let's Light up Power State and Nigeria as a whole


A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner Power and Renewable Energy 

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