Light up Power State

The Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy of Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, says Nigeria’s energy policy must go beyond providing electricity to creating jobs and building local industries. Reacting to REA MD, Mallam Abba Aliyu’s remarks at the 2026 Oriental News Conference in Lagos, Hon. Suleiman Umar noted that despite over $2 billion invested in renewables, Nigeria has created only about 76,000 jobs far below the 16.2 million jobs supported globally by solar. He said clean energy deployment must double as industrial policy. Programmes like public sector solarisation, mini-grids, and agricultural energy hubs should serve as anchor markets for Nigerian manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. “Nigeria cannot transition on imported solutions. Every renewable project must create jobs for Nigerian engineers, technicians, and businesses, and strengthen our supply chains,” he stated. Hon. Suleiman Umar added that improving project bankability and regulatory coordination is key...

The Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has recommended the new innovations being driven by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under its Managing Director, Mr. Abba Aliyu, describing them as timely policies that will accelerate sustainable development and renewable energy growth in Nigeria. Hon. Suleiman Umar said the Federal Government’s plan to float Renewable Energy Service Companies, RESCOs to compete directly with electricity Distribution Companies over the next 10 to 15 years is a bold step toward solving Nigeria’s persistent blackouts and expanding access to electricity. According to him, the shift by REA from single isolated mini-grids to utility-scale interconnected mini-grids powered by solar and battery storage will give communities reliable, round-the-clock clean energy and reduce dependence on the national grid. He explained that under the new model, developers will be encouraged to build between 20 and 50 interconnected mini...

Nigeria is now sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing market for small-scale solar, but the growth is happening almost entirely outside the national grid. According to the reports that is reviewed by the media team of Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, there is rapid expansion of solar power and mini-grids across Nigeria, while utility-scale projects connected to the national grid remain limited. The assessment notes that households and businesses are driving adoption, even as the country struggles to translate the boom into stronger grid supply. According to the  “Sub-Saharan Africa Renewable Energy Market Outlook” , the shift is driven by unreliable grid electricity and rising diesel and petrol costs, pushing businesses and homes to rooftop solar and battery systems. Small-scale solar is driving growth The reports estimate Nigeria added 3.1GW of small-scale solar in 2024 and 2025, bringing total installed capacity to about 6GW. Projections sh...

The Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has hailed the launch of a new programme by TranESS C&I and the Al-Ansar Foundation to train 3,000 Nigerian youths in energy storage and clean energy technology over the next three years. The initiative was unveiled at TranESS C&I’s Education Industry Summit in Abuja with the theme “Empowering Education, Illuminating the Future”. It will run across five regional training hubs and will also include specialized courses, with top students selected for advanced training abroad. Reacting to the development, Hon. Suleiman Umar said he is delighted that young Nigerians will be given such opportunity to acquire skills in the renewable energy sector. “I am happy to see that 3,000 of our youths will be trained in energy storage and clean energy. This is the kind of investment in human capital that Nigeria needs right now,” Hon. Suleiman Umar said. He expressed optimism that Niger State will also benefit fro...

Power is about more than wires and transformers. For Niger State, it is about factories running, water flowing, hospitals staying on, and young people getting jobs. That was the tone when the Niger Delta Power Holding Company sat down with the Niger State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy for strategic talks. The NDPHC team, led by Prof. Stephen Ogaji, paid a working visit to the Ministry to explore how both sides can join forces to strengthen electricity infrastructure and scale up renewable energy across Niger State. Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Suleiman Umar, said the timing of the engagement could not be better. According to Hon. Commissioner, the state is at a point where it must move from patching old problems to building new systems that deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power. “We are ready to work with any credible partner that shares our vision. Our people deserve electricity that is consistent. Our schools, ...

  Addressing his media team, the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, explained why he has always emphasized renewable clean energy and sustainable development for Nigerlites. “This is not just about electricity. It is about jobs, industry and securing the future of our state and our country,” he said. In 2025 alone, Nigeria spent over ₦400 billion importing solar technologies. In first half of 2026, that figure had already exceeded ₦200 billion. “These are not just import figures. They represent factories that were never built in Nigeria, jobs that were never created for our people, and value that left our economy. If we keep depending on imports, we are growing other economies with our money,” he said. The scale of the energy challenge is also massive. Over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to clean energy. To close that gap by 2035, the continent needs an estimated $15 billion annually. Africa now has o...

The maiden Solar & Storage Live Nigeria Conference held in Lagos yesterday brought together policymakers, investors, manufacturers, technology providers and renewable energy developers to chart a new course for Nigeria’s clean energy future. The event has been described as the largest renewable energy gathering in Nigeria this year. The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has welcomed the conference as a major success for renewable energy deployment across Nigeria and Africa, and a step toward a sustainable future for Nigerians. “The gathering shows that Nigeria is serious about clean energy. It connects us to global investment, technology and partnerships that can change how we power our homes, farms and businesses. For Africa, this is progress. For Nigeria, this is the future,” he said. Hon. Suleiman Umar further stressed that Nigerlites must not be left behind in the renewable energy solutions and businesses that are trending ...

Every town glowing. Every farm working after sunset. Every clinic saving lives with steady power. Every small business growing without fear of blackout.  That is where we are headed. Under the leadership of Hon. Suleiman Umar, the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy has spent the last few months laying the foundation for that future. The focus is clear: deliver reliable, clean and affordable electricity to every part of Niger State, and use it to drive agriculture, industry, health and education. This work is moving forward through strong partnerships with leading international organizations. The Ministry is collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank to advance large-scale solar power that will strengthen supply across the state capital and its environs, while creating jobs and supporting industries. At the same time, work with the World Bank is focused on expanding access and building sustainable energy systems that can serve homes, schools and businesses for the long term...

The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has called on investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in Niger State to urgently invest and key into renewable energy opportunities as the sector records major growth across Nigeria and Africa. Hon. Umar noted that eight Nigerian companies have just secured part of a $1.5 million grant under the Productive Use Financing Facility (PUFF) to expand solar-powered appliances for farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The initiative, supported by CLASP and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), is targeting the deployment of 3,800 productive-use appliances and over 3,000 green jobs. According to him, technologies such as solar-powered water pumps, refrigeration systems, milling equipment, and other clean energy solutions are already transforming businesses in other states and across Africa.   “Organisations across Nigeria are already moving far ahead with renewab...

The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has congratulated the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its landmark collaboration with the United Nations on the Africa Minigrids Programme, Nigeria pilot project. Hon. Umar described the partnership as "another important welcome development to Nigeria and across Africa", noting that it aligns directly with the energy access and industrialization goals of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda. He specifically commended the leadership of the REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Aliyu and the entire REA team, saying their commitment and strategic direction have positioned Nigeria as a global market for sustainable development and growth in renewable energy solutions. According to the Commissioner, the UN-Nigeria collaboration on mini-grid solutions launched in Abuja is a critical step toward bridging Nigeria’s electricity access gap, driving industrialization, creating jo...

This week in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made it clear that renewable energy is no longer an alternative. “It is an integral part of our national power architecture,” he said at the launch of the Africa Minigrids Programme’s Nigeria pilot project. The event was also attended by representatives of the United Nations and Managing Director of REA.  Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said access to sustainable energy is essential to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that energy is more than electricity, “it powers hospitals, schools, farms and businesses”. Mr. Fall noted that “energy creates jobs, drives economic growth and improves lives. Without sustainable energy, sustainable development remains out of reach”. He added that the United Nations will continue to partner with the Government, the Rural Electrification Agency, development partne...

For decades, Niger State powered the whole nation. Our hydro stations gave light to every corner of Nigeria, while many of our own communities waited in darkness. That era is over. Under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, Niger is now a true power state for its own people. And Honourable Suleiman Umar is the man turning that promise into poles, panels and power. Sulaiman Umar's journey from Works and Infrastructural Development to Power was not by chance. Farmer Governor Bago placed him where infrastructure meets impact. Because a road may open a place, but only light can grow it. That is the spirit of the New Niger Agenda. Under Hon. Suleiman Umar, the Ministry has become a hub for real partnerships. Not one project. A full pipeline. Together with REA, the Ministry is taking power where it has been missing for years. Mini-grids and solar systems are reaching rural communities and agro-clusters. So the New Niger Agenda is felt beyond the cities. The Ministry is also working with Worl...

  Niger State has taken a major step to lead Nigeria’s renewable transition after the Federal Executive Council approved a $160 million financing package for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project. The package consists of $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank and $10 million counterpart funding from the Niger State Government. At the center of the project is the development of a 100-megawatt solar plant that will expand electricity access, improve reliability, and diversify the country’s energy mix through clean power. Farmer Governor Umaru Bago said the approval shows Niger State’s capacity to attract and manage large-scale investment. “This is more than funding. It is a vote of confidence in what we are building here. The 100MW plant will bring light to rural communities, support our industries, and create new opportunities across the state,” he said. The project follows months of preparation between the state government and the Islamic Development Bank. A few ...