Inside Niger State's quiet power revolution - Hon. Suleiman Umar assures Nigerlites

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The honourable commissioner for power and renewable energy, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Umar, has assured Nigerlites that the promise of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to power Niger State is on course and will not fail.

Hon. Suleiman Umar said many people ask what is happening in the power sector, but a lot is already going on across the state.

According to him, this administration met many communities in total darkness for over ten years. Today, some of those communities now have light from both national grid and solar mini-grids with almost 24-hour electricity and others will be connected soon as work is ongoing across the 25 local government areas.

He said government has also taken bold steps to power its own institutions. Government House, general hospitals, water board and other public offices are now running on solar to cut cost and show leadership.

"Farmer Governor Bago promised to light up Niger State and make us the true Power State of Nigeria. He has never failed in his promises and he will not fail on this one," the commissioner said.

He explained that the new Electricity Act 2023 now gives Niger State the power to generate, regulate and distribute its own electricity. Niger State was among the first to sign its own power sector law in 2024.

On big projects, Hon. Suleiman Umar said the $160 million 100MW solar project at Makunkele, Bosso local government, approved by the Federal Executive Council with support from the Islamic Development Bank, will soon take off. More projects are in the pipeline to reach 200MW and eventually 1,000MW.

He also said the state, in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, is connecting more schools, hospitals and over 69,000 households through 77 rooftops and new mini-grid sites.

The commissioner noted that with the recent $300 million renewable energy fund launched by NSIA and other partners at the United Nations General Assembly, more investors will come to Niger State.

"To every Nigerlite, I want to assure you - we are working. From rural communities to hospitals and schools, we are powering Niger State step by step. The New Niger Agenda is not just talk, you can see it with light in our communities," he said.

He called on citizens to support and protect power installations in their communities and assured that the ministry will keep working day and night to deliver.


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

A.B Makama, Media Strategist




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