Hon. Suleiman Umar Endorses REA’s RESCO Model, Says It Will Drive Renewable Energy Growth and Fix Power Gaps in Nigeria

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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-grids to serve entire communities, giving consumers the option to access clean energy 24 hours daily through dedicated RESCO providers instead of relying solely on the conventional grid.

Hon. Suleiman Umar noted that the model makes sense because many communities are still without power as it is not commercially attractive to Discos. He said RESCOs will fill that gap by serving those areas and, where necessary, building their own transmission lines with NERC approval.

He further commended REA for the ongoing agreements between mini-grid developers and Discos in unserved areas under the Distributed Access for Renewable Energy Scale-Up, and for insisting on equipment standards and safe battery disposal to protect consumers and the environment.

The Commissioner also aligned with the position on cost-reflective tariffs, saying stable power will only come when Nigerians begin to see electricity as a commercial commodity and not solely a social responsibility of government. He observed that areas on cost-reflective Band A are already enjoying 18 to 24 hours power, and that this can be scaled gradually.

Hon. Suleiman Umar concluded that the RESCO innovation led by Mr. Abba Aliyu represents the future of energy in Nigeria, and that Niger State is ready to key into the model to ensure more communities have access to clean and consistent electricity.


A.B Makama

Media Strategist to Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy


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