Niger State, NDPHC Explore New Power Deal to Drive Energy Access and Industry

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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, clinics, water facilities and industries cannot continue to run in the dark. This collaboration is about changing that story,” Hon. Suleiman Umar stated.

He noted that some of the most pressing concerns discussed, including power supply to critical institutions like the Chanchaga Water Works, will be escalated to the Niger State Governor for immediate policy action. Hon. Suleiman Umar stressed that stable power is directly tied to public welfare and economic growth, and the state government treats it as a priority.

The Commissioner also made it clear that the state is looking beyond conventional solutions. “The future is clean energy. That is why we are keen on partnerships that bring in renewable options, decentralized systems, and local capacity. We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results,” Hon. Suleiman Umar added.

The NDPHC delegation presented its mandate across generation, transmission, distribution and renewable energy. Prof. Ogaji said the company is focused on finding where the system breaks down, securing key assets, and upgrading networks so that customers actually feel the impact. He described the proposed partnership with Niger State as one built on service delivery and measurable results.

Both parties agreed that fragmented efforts will not solve the problem. What is needed, they said, is stronger alignment between government, agencies, the private sector and communities to ensure electricity reaches businesses, farms, markets and homes.

In attendance were top officials of the Ministry: Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Gana; Director of Administration, Hashimu Abdullahi; Director of Renewable Energy, Engr. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed; Director of Finance and Supply, Tswanya Mohammed; and Hajiya Maryam Sallawu, Accountant. The Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission was also represented.

Closing the meeting, Hon. Suleiman Umar threw the doors open to more investment. “Government cannot do it alone. I am calling on investors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and industries to come to Niger State. The potential is huge, the political will is here, and together we can build a power sector that works for all Nigerlites," Hon. Suleiman Umar said.

Follow-up technical engagements between the Ministry and NDPHC are expected in the coming weeks to map out specific projects and timelines.









A.B. Makama  

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner For Power and Renewable Energy

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