Bringing Light Closer to Communities: Niger Power Commissioner Endorses LG Role in Electricity Market

 

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 Bola Tinubu’s efforts to expand electricity access and strengthen governance across all tiers of the power value chain.

The development follows amendments to the Electricity Act 2023, which granted states the authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their jurisdictions. So far, 17 states have begun setting up regulatory frameworks and subnational electricity markets to attract investment and improve supply.

According to Adelabu, the next phase of reforms could see local governments playing complementary roles, particularly in rural electrification, mini-grid deployment, and last-mile distribution. He said deeper participation at the grassroots level would help close Nigeria’s electricity access gap, reduce pressure on the national grid, and support a more reliable and inclusive power system.

Reacting to the Minister’s statement, Honourable Suleiman Umar said the initiative is in line with the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, where reliable power is central to agriculture, education, healthcare, and rural industry.

The Commissioner stated that local government participation will make access to electricity distribution faster for people in various communities. He explained that LGs are the tier of government closest to the people and best positioned to identify priority locations like markets, schools, health centers, water schemes, and agro-processing clusters.

“Bringing local governments into the electricity market removes delays,” Honourable Umar said. “When councils can partner directly on mini-grids and last-mile projects, our communities get connected quicker and solutions match actual local needs.”

Honourable Suleiman Umar urged all 25 local government areas in Niger State to embrace the initiatives of the Minister when the time comes. He called on council chairmen to start early preparation.

With the NERC Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 now allowing higher capacity projects and single permits, the entry of LGs will multiply Niger State’s delivery capacity. It means more projects can run in parallel across the three senatorial zones, reducing the burden on state and federal agencies alone.

For Governor Bago's administration, it accelerates the New Niger Agenda. For residents, it translates to faster connections, improved reliability, and stronger community ownership of power infrastructure.

“The Minister’s initiative on local governments joining the electricity market is a welcome idea,” Commissioner Suleiman Umar concluded. “It will make easy access of electricity distribution faster to our people. Our 25 LGAs must be ready to play their part.”

A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner Power and Renewable Energy