Energy Security Begins Here: Hon. Suleiman Umar on the New Niger Agenda

As Niger State faces repeated outages this rainy season, Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, says the lesson is clear: energy security cannot be left to chance. He is calling on Nigerlites to embrace renewable energy as the most reliable and economically sound path forward under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda.

Speaking on Nigeria’s energy direction, he noted that the country is targeting 209,000 megawatts of generation by 2050, with solar leading the drive. Fifty-three large-scale solar projects worth $11 billion are underway nationwide, while the Rural Electrification Agency is deploying over 1,300 solar mini-grids and off-grid systems backed by $750 million in public funding. More than 1,000 mini-grids are already powering communities and Nigeria added 803MW of solar capacity in 2025 alone.

“Nigeria is repositioning renewable energy as the most economically viable alternative for electricity,” the Commissioner said. “With renewables now at 23% of our energy mix and a target of 30% by 2030, the shift is real and it is happening fast.”

Hon. Suleiman Umar stressed that Niger State is blessed with abundant sunshine and cannot afford to be left behind. “Under the New Niger Agenda, we are opening doors for every household, business, and community to key into solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean energy solutions. The future of power is decentralized, clean and locally owned.”

He added that shifting from diesel, petrol, and gas generators to solar and storage systems will cut costs, reduce pollution, and give Nigerlites control over their energy. “This is more than policy. It is an opportunity for sustainable growth. The sun is free. The technology is ready. Let us own our light and build a stronger Niger State together.”

A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner For Power and Renewable Energy