Why Hon. Suleiman Umar is Pushing for Niger State to Lead in Clean Renewable Energy

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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 over 20 gigawatts of installed solar capacity. In 2024, solar PV projects accounted for 62% of all renewable energy investments on the continent. “The demand is growing very fast. Nigeria has the market, the resources, and the talent. The question is whether we will meet that demand by importing, or by building here at home,” he noted.

Hon. Suleiman Umar stressed that energy infrastructure without local manufacturing will not bring lasting development. “Sustainable development requires an integrated system: technology creation, manufacturing, research, policy, financing and skilled manpower working together. That is how we keep money in our economy, create jobs for our graduates, and build real capacity,” he explained. For Niger State, this means jobs for our youth in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and agriculture through solar-powered irrigation. It means value retention so that investment in energy circulates within Nigeria and within Niger State. It also means energy security for our homes, farms, schools, and health centers through decentralized and renewable solutions.

“Clean energy is no longer the future. It is happening now. Every state across the country must begin to build its own clean energy capacity. We in Niger State have every reason to lead because we have the land, the sunshine, and the agricultural base,” he stated. From clean cookstoves that reduce firewood use, to solar for rural communities, schools and clinics, to promoting the use of locally assembled components, these are not isolated projects. They are parts of one system designed to strengthen manufacturing, create jobs, develop skills, and expand access to clean energy.

“When Africa’s clean energy future is fully realized, will Nigeria simply be a consumer of those technologies, or will we be among those who build them? Will Niger State be among those who build them?” he asked. “That is why I always emphasize on renewable clean energy. My commitment is for Nigerlites to position themselves in this sector now. Let us build it here, let us create jobs here, and let us secure a sustainable future here in Niger State and to meet up with Farmer Governor Bago New Niger Agenda." Hon. Suleiman Umar concluded.


A.B. Makama  

Media Team, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State

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