Hon. Suleiman Umar Applauds REA, Partners And Communities As Nigeria’s $750m Energy Programme Delivers Results

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The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, has expressed optimism about the future of development and growth across Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Niger State, through ongoing renewable energy interventions.

Hon. Suleiman Umar congratulated the Rural Electrification Agency REA, international partners, and the communities involved in delivering clean energy projects across the country. He noted that collaboration and strong institutions are key to ensuring that no community is left in darkness.

He highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s $750 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up DARES programme, being implemented by REA with funding from the World Bank. According to data from the VIDA digital platform supporting the programme, the initiative has saved over $100 million within its first two years through a geographically differentiated subsidy system.

The model ensures developers receive higher support for electrifying harder-to-reach communities, rather than focusing only on easier and cheaper locations. This approach is designed to expand access fairly and efficiently across the country.

The VIDA platform has also become a central source of market information for government and more than 250 private electricity companies participating in the programme. It is used to identify locations, assess proposals, track progress, and ensure that subsidies translate into real electricity connections.

“This is exactly the kind of innovation that is driving the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago,” Hon. Suleiman Umar said. “With REA, our development partners, and our communities working together, we are delivering renewable energy that powers farms, schools, hospitals, and industries.”

The Commissioner further noted that the success of the Nigerian model is now being extended to a regional programme covering 21 African countries. The first phase is already operational in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Central African Republic, and Benin, with further expansion planned.

“Niger State remains ready to lead,” he added. “We will continue to partner with REA, international stakeholders, and our communities to ensure that renewable energy drives jobs, growth, and prosperity for all.”


From: Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State 

A.B Makama, Media Strategist




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