From Consumers to Owners: Hon. Suleiman Umar’s Shift for Niger State’s Energy Future

_Together We Shall Light Up Power State._

That’s the rallying call from Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Niger State, and it captures the heart of the New Niger Agenda under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. The plan is clear and deliberate: government leads the way, but the people of Niger State build, own, and sustain the energy solutions that will power homes, farms, and businesses for years to come.  

At the center of this vision is a shift in ownership. Hon. Suleiman Umar is urging Nigerlite investors to partner with community groups to co-own and operate mini-grids, because projects only last when the people they serve feel responsible for them. “With our people, Niger State will not just use solar — we’ll own it,” he said. The ministry is backing this with ongoing projects from the Rural Electrification Agency, the Islamic Development Bank, ECOWAS, and the World Bank. Once handed over, these projects are expected to move the state from power deficit to surplus.  

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has added 600 megawatts to the national grid following the completion of the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In-Turn-Out Transmission Line Project in Edo State. Managing Director and CEO Sule Abdulaziz announced this at the project’s commissioning yesterday, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission network and improving bulk electricity evacuation from the Ihovbor Transmission Substation to distribution load centers nationwide. The project linked the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV line to the Ihovbor Substation, creating two new 14-kilometer transmission routes. According to Abdulaziz, its completion has improved operational flexibility and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor.  

Distributed generation is scaling up in parallel. The Rural Electrification Agency is advancing 40 interconnected mini-grids that will inject 288MW of new capacity into the grid with battery storage. The REA Managing Director described the newly reviewed mini-grid regulation as a major milestone that expands capacity limits and creates a dedicated structure for distributed power. After two years of engagement with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the framework is now set to accelerate access and close Nigeria’s electricity gap faster.  

For Nigerlites waiting to see the impact, Hon. Suleiman Umar’s message is one of assurance and patience. He said the ministry is working hard daily to deliver sustainable energy solutions and will not fail the people. Under the leadership of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, every project on ground is being driven to completion so that when they are handed over, power supply will be stable, reliable, and sufficient across the state.  

The commissioner still feels sad and sympathizes with the people affected by the recent windstorm and heavy rainfall that damaged homes and property in parts of the state. He confirmed that repairs are underway, urged residents to report issues through their local authorities for faster response, and prayed for protection and quick recovery for all affected families. With government commitment on one side and community ownership on the other, the ministry believes Niger State is on track to truly light up and stay lit.

A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner Power and Renewable Energy