Light up Power State

For a long time in Nigeria, solar energy systems were seen as a luxury — expensive, foreign, and only for the elite or remote villages. That perception is changing fast. Across Niger State, Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, is pushing solar from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” for homes, farms, and small businesses. Niger State powers Nigeria with Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru dams. Yet many communities still face blackouts. Families spend too much on fuel. Shops close early. Students struggle to read. Hon. Suleiman Umar says solar is the way out because petrol and diesel are costly, while solar means one-time setup, no fuel queues, and steady power. The whole local government areas will soon be lit up and it will be sustainable development growth for Nigerlites, fulfilling the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. There will be no smoke and no noise, which is good for our health, schools, and our farms. Niger State is already key to n...

  Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy of Niger State, is urging installers and homeowners to follow new safety rules for rooftop solar systems as the state drives green energy growth. “Don’t cut corners with solar,” Honourable Suleiman Umar said. “One wrong connection can destroy everything you are trying to power.” Commissioner Suleiman gave the advice as Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency officials have repeatedly warned that power cables and communication cables must be routed separately and never run together in the same conduit. Combining them can lead to signal interference, degraded system performance, and a higher risk of electrical faults or fire. NEMSA also advised regular maintenance: clean solar panels to prevent dust buildup and overheating, inspect cables, connectors, and inverters often, and replace any damaged parts immediately. “Solar PV system installers and members of the public must take note of the guidelines and e...

Honourable Suleiman Umar invites power investors to Niger State as states overtake national grid deals Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy of Niger State, is calling on investors to bring their power projects to Niger State. The New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago is ready to accommodate them. Power State is poised to reap significant benefits from renewable energy projects efficiently and effectively for the people of Niger State.  His call comes as investors across Nigeria are shifting away from the national grid and betting on state-led electricity deals. A new PwC report says these deals are easier to finance because they link power plants directly to the people who use the light — hospitals, factories, and water works. The rules are clearer, the cash flow is more visible, and the risk is lower. “Investors are assessing projects on a case-by-case basis, with bankability driven by regulatory clarity, tariff credibility and cash-flow v...

The Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency are driving two separate but complementary expansions to the national grid that, taken together, tackle both bulk power evacuation and last-mile supply. The moves centre on new 330kV transmission connections commissioned at the Ihovbor corridor and 40 interconnected mini-grids now being developed to inject 288 megawatts of fresh capacity with battery storage. For Nigerian consumers, the projects mean more generated electricity actually reaches homes and businesses, faster rollout of larger renewable plants, and better grid stability. For Niger State, home to Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru hydropower dams, the interventions open a direct pathway to improve evacuation from existing hydro assets and to anchor new utility-scale solar on state feeders. TCN strengthened the national grid with the commissioning of turn-in-turn-out connections for the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission lines at 19:...

  For the people of Niger State, energy is shifting. From Minna to the border towns near Benin Republic, the conversation is no longer just about waiting for grid power. Under Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and with the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy led by Honourable Commissioner Suleiman Umar and his team driving implementation, the state is positioned to plug directly into the Federal Government’s biggest renewable energy push, ones more. That federal push was laid out by Dr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), during a Webinar organised by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers (AJERAP) on Wednesday in Lagos. Nigeria has increased its domestic solar panel manufacturing capacity to 300 megawatts (MW) from 120 megawatts.  Dr Abba Aliyu said the agency is targeting a total of 3.7 gigawatts (GW) in the pipeline, aiming to establish itself as the renewable energy hub for West Africa. Aliyu said that Mozambi...

  For years, Niger State carried the name “Power State” while our people lived in darkness. Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said: Never again. Under the New Niger Agenda, and through the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy led by Hon. Suleiman Umar, Niger State is building its own light — from the sun, for the people. This is what’s happening: 1. We took legal control The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024 is signed. We can now generate, regulate, and license our own renewable power. No more waiting. 2. We are lighting 180+ forgotten communities Villages that had no light for 10+ years are now getting 24-hour solar mini-grids. Lambata is on. More are coming. Schools and clinics are next. 3. We are powering our own institutions   Government House, General Hospital Minna, IBB Specialist Hospital, Water Board — all on independent solar. IBB University Lapai now runs on a 5.5MW solar plant with 7.5MWh battery. No more excuses. 4. We are building big   - 20MW f...

  Niger State is no longer on the sidelines of Nigeria’s power reform. The state is now one of 15 with full regulatory control of its electricity market following the latest round of transitions under the Electricity Act 2023. According to a document released Wednesday by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the transition began in October 2024 with Enugu and Ekiti leading on October 22. Ondo followed on October 23, with Imo joining by December 31, 2024. Oyo came on board February 5, 2025, Edo on February 20, 2025, and Kogi on March 12, 2025. Lagos transitioned on June 4, 2025, creating room for stronger private sector participation. Ogun joined on June 23, 2025, while Niger State officially assumed regulatory control on July 9, 2025. Plateau followed on September 12, 2025. Abia joined December 24, 2025, with Anambra on January 1, 2026, Nasarawa on February 3, 2026, and Bayelsa completing the 15-state shift on February 20, 2026. The 2023 Act fully liberalises ...

  The Niger State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, has described the Federal Government’s plan to open Nigeria’s electricity market to local governments as a welcome idea that will bring electricity distribution closer and faster to people across communities. He made the remarks while responding to the announcement by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that local governments may soon participate in the nation’s electricity market as ongoing reforms deepen decentralisation in the power sector. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of the board of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, Adelabu disclosed that the evolving electricity framework will increasingly open opportunities for grassroots involvement. “Very soon, as we evolve in this decentralisation objective, local governments will start showing interest in participating in this sector,” the Minister said. He noted that the reform is part of President Bol...

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) invites eligible students nationwide to participate in the 2026 NERC Essay Competition. Essay Topic _The Role of Renewable Energy in Improving Electricity Supply in Nigeria_ Eligibility  Open to all students in Senior Secondary School Year Two (SS2) in public and private secondary schools across Nigeria. All schools across Nigeria are encouraged to participate in this important national competition. The exercise is designed to engage young minds on the future of energy in the country and to stimulate innovative thinking around renewable solutions. Students from Niger State are especially urged to apply. Niger State is currently at the forefront of Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda under the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. With landmark reforms in mini-grid deployment and a strong policy push for sustainable power, the state is setting the pace for others to follow. The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable ...

Niger State’s drive for reliable electricity just got a major boost, and it’s coming from a policy shift many are calling a game changer. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through its MD/CEO Dr. Abba Aliyu Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for releasing the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026, saying the reforms will finally unlock large-scale power delivery to underserved communities. For years, states like Niger battled delays and red tape that slowed solar projects. Under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda, the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, led by Commissioner Honourable Suleiman Umar, has been pushing aggressively for sustainable energy access. Now, the new regulations align perfectly with that ambition. What Changed and Why It Matters Dr. Abba Aliyu described the NERC Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 as “the most important update to Nigeria’s mini-grid framework in years.” After consistent engagement with NERC since 2024, REA...

Niger State is basking in the glory of being at the forefront of the Rural Electrification Agency's (REA) solar mini-grid projects, with a recent disbursement of N9 billion to support the deployment of solar mini-grid projects across Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, and Niger States. Notably, Niger State has received N1.056 billion for mini-grid deployments across three sites, a testament to the state's pioneering efforts in renewable energy. According to the REA, the funding is backed by its Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Programme's performance-based grant framework, supported by a recently signed N100 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Banks. This development is a significant milestone in the agency's efforts to improve electricity access in underserved communities. The Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, expressed his confidence in Nigeria's renewable energy space, stating that the steady flow of funding reflects growing confidence in the secto...

  Niger State, home to several hydroelectric dams, including Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru, has paradoxically remained in darkness for most of its residents. The state government, led by Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, has taken a bold step to address this issue by embracing green energy projects and solar-powered mini-grids. The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy of the State, led by Honourable Suleiman Umar, is at the forefront of this initiative, working tirelessly to provide sustainable energy access to the people of Niger State. The decision to explore renewable energy sources is driven by the state's crippling power crisis, exacerbated by bad infrastructure and huge debts owed to the national grid. Despite being a major contributor to Nigeria's energy production, Niger State has struggled to get a fair share of the electricity generated from its own resources. The situation is further complicated by the country's broader energy challenges, with Nigeria owing bil...

In a significant stride towards achieving sustainable energy development, Niger State has emerged as the first state to launch the ECOWAS collaboration with the World Bank and REA, targeting Tertiary Institutions and Primary Healthcare Centers. This pioneering initiative is set to transform the energy landscape of the state, providing reliable and clean energy to these critical institutions. Under the leadership of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago and his Honorable Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State is poised to reap the benefits of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). This project, funded by the World Bank, with co-financing from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and Directorate General of International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Government of the Netherlands, aims to increase electricity access to households, businesses, and public institutions using modern stand-alone solar technology. The implementation of ROGEAP in Niger State is expected to have ...

Just before the Easter break, the Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project (ROGEAP) was launched at TRANSCORP Hilton, Abuja, a collaborative effort between ECOWAS, the World Bank, REA, and Niger State Government. The objective was clear: to increase electricity access to households, businesses, and public institutions using modern stand-alone solar technology through a harmonized regional approach. The Niger State presentation showcased the state's readiness to be part of this ambitious programme, highlighting its strategic position as a host to several hydroelectric dams, including Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba. The launch event was graced by key stakeholders, including representatives from ECOWAS, the World Bank, and REA. The Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Umar Mohammed Bago. "Niger State hosts Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba hydroelectric dams — y...