Driving Renewable Energy in Niger State: The Story of Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim

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Under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Suleiman Umar, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim is one of the team players in driving the renewable energy agenda in Niger State. The ministry's efforts aim to address Niger State's power sector challenges, with over 50% of the population having limited or no access to the National Grid. Engr. Ibrahim's technical expertise has been pivotal in shaping the state's renewable energy landscape.

Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim, a seasoned mechanical engineer, has been making significant contributions to the power and renewable energy sector in Niger State. Born on December 31, 1970, in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria, Engr. Ibrahim has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence in his field.

A Strong Educational Foundation

Engr. Ibrahim holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna (2022), a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution (2016), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (2005). He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1997).

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Niger State has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and hydro power generation. The ministry has undertaken several initiatives which Engr. Ibrahim is one of the team players, including:

- Formulation of the State Policy on Decentralized Renewable Energy (2017)

- Implementation of the Niger State Renewable Energy Plan

- Completion of 16 mini-grid projects, with over 50 ongoing across the state

- Commissioning of a 990KWp interconnected mini-grid project at Lambata

- Completion of a 1MW + 3.6MW storage capacity mini-grid project at Government House, Minna

- Provision of solar power to 25 Local Government Primary and Tertiary Health care centers

Professional Experience and Achievements

Engr. Ibrahim's professional journey began with the National Youth Service Corps in 1999. He has since served in various capacities at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Minna, Niger State, and the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, where he currently serves as the Director of Renewable Energy (2024).

Academic Publications and Memberships

Engr. Ibrahim has published several papers and is a member of several professional organizations, including COREN, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineering.

Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim's work is a testament to the impact of dedicated individuals on the development of Niger State's energy sector and beyond. 

RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF NIGER STATE, BY ENGR MOHAMMED IBRAHIM 

Niger State has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and hydro power generation. The state receives an average solar radiation of 5-7kwh/m2/day, with an average daily sunshine duration of 8.5 hours, making it an ideal location for solar energy harnessing. The state is also endowed with four major hydro dams (Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru) and several potential small hydro power sites.

PROGRESS REPORT

Key initiatives undertaken by the ministry include:

1. Policy Framework: Formulation of the State Policy on Decentralized Renewable Energy (2017) and implementation of the Niger State Renewable Energy Plan.

2. Mini-Grid Projects: Completion of 16 mini-grid projects, with over 50 ongoing across the state, including:

    - 100kWp Tungan Jika, Magama

    - 48 KWP General Hospital, Gulu Lapai

    - 25KWP Bisanti, Gbako

    - 40KWP Goto Sarki, Paikoro

    - 64KWP Rokota, Edati

    - 100kWp Bokani, Mokwa

    - 85KWp Gbara, Mokwa

    - 84KWP Kpanko, Mokwa

    - 27KWP Ndejiko, Edati

    - 180KWp Sabon Rijiya, Mashegu

    - 120KWP Adogo Mallam, Mashegu

    - 41.6KWP Nantu, Mokwa

    - 74KWP Maagi Igechi, Mokwa

    - 64KWP Maagi Bukun, Edati

    - 85KWP Gbangb, Gbako

    - 50KWP Gwam, Paikoro

3. Interconnected Mini-Grid Project: Commissioning of a 990KWp interconnected mini-grid project at Lambata.

4. Government House Project: Completion of a 1MW + 3.6MW storage capacity mini-grid project at Government House, Minna.

5. Health Care Centers: Provision of solar power to 25 Local Government Primary and Tertiary Health care centers, including:

    - 180KW/133.4KWH system at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna

    - 120KVA/270KWH Inverter System at Jummai Babangida Maternal and Neonatal Hospital, Minna

    - 20KW/45KWH System at Senator Idris Kuta Primary Health Care center, Minna

6. E-HEART Programme: Keying into the E-HEART Programme of Rural Electrification Agency to provide solar power to Primary Health Centers, Tertiary Institutions, Agricultural sector, rural development, and transportation sector.

7. Solar Streetlights: Conversion of conventional fossil fuel-powered streetlights to solar-powered streetlights across Minna township and other major cities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS

The ministry engages with communities and stakeholders through regular forums and partnerships with development partners, including the Rural Electrification Agency, World Bank, and European Union.

FUTURE PLANS

The ministry plans to continue harnessing solar energy through partnerships with development partners and international organizations, such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Rural ElectrificationAgency (REA). etc ... The goal is to increase access to sustainable energy and promote economic development in Niger State.

Engr. Ibrahim and other technical expertise are instrumental in driving these initiatives through the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Suleiman Umar and the ministry is committed to continuing its efforts to promote renewable energy development in Niger State.


A.B Makama

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner Power and Renewable Energy 


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