Light up Power State

Under the leadership of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, Niger State is pursuing a clear and deliberate vision for energy: reliable, sustainable, and owned by the people it serves. At the center of that effort is the Honorable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar, whose approach to leadership has set a different tone for the sector. Hon. Suleiman Umar leads with calmness, clarity, and respect for the people of Niger State. His focus is not on quick promises, but on practical steps that will endure. He has consistently emphasized partnership between government, investors, and communities, arguing that power projects only last when the people they serve feel a sense of ownership. It is this belief that is shaping the ministry’s push for community co-owned mini-grids, private sector collaboration, and alignment with federal and international partners. For Nigerlites watching closely, the commissioner’s message is one of assurance. He has made clear that the New Niger Agen...

_Together We Shall Light Up Power State._ That’s the rallying call from Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Niger State, and it captures the heart of the New Niger Agenda under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. The plan is clear and deliberate: government leads the way, but the people of Niger State build, own, and sustain the energy solutions that will power homes, farms, and businesses for years to come.   At the center of this vision is a shift in ownership. Hon. Suleiman Umar is urging Nigerlite investors to partner with community groups to co-own and operate mini-grids, because projects only last when the people they serve feel responsible for them. “With our people, Niger State will not just use solar — we’ll own it,” he said. The ministry is backing this with ongoing projects from the Rural Electrification Agency, the Islamic Development Bank, ECOWAS, and the World Bank. Once handed over, these projects are expected to move the state from ...

Honourable Suleiman Umar, Niger State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, says the surest way to empower Nigerian youths through the power sector is for both federal and state governments to make bold investments in universities focused on renewable energy training and research. He added that the initiative aligns with the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, which places youth development, job creation, and sustainable infrastructure at the heart of governance. The Commissioner made the remarks during a media discussion with his media team on youth empowerment, where he reflected on the Rural Electrification Agency’s recent proposal to establish the first Renewable University in Nigeria. He described the proposal as a timely and important step that can transform the prospects of young people and strengthen the country’s energy future. “The plan to set up a dedicated Renewable University, in partnership with development partners, is the kind of forward-looking move ...

  Honourable Suleiman Umar, Niger State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, has backed the Federal Government’s push for locally made solar panels and battery production in Nigeria, but he cautioned that the shift to ban importation must be done carefully to avoid hardship for citizens. Speaking in response to last week’s solar power media training in Abuja, where energy experts warned against an abrupt restriction on solar panel imports, Hon. Suleiman Umar said he fully agrees with both the government’s policy direction and the advice of stakeholders in the energy sector. The experts had called for a gradual phase-out of imports over several years rather than an outright ban, after the Federal Government announced plans to halt solar panel imports following over N200 billion in investments to encourage domestic production. “We support local manufacturing of solar panels with our whole heart,” Hon. Suleiman Umar said. “We want to see factories in our states, jobs for our y...

For a long time in Nigeria, solar energy systems were seen as a luxury — expensive, foreign, and only for the elite or remote villages. That perception is changing fast. Across Niger State, Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, is pushing solar from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” for homes, farms, and small businesses. Niger State powers Nigeria with Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru dams. Yet many communities still face blackouts. Families spend too much on fuel. Shops close early. Students struggle to read. Hon. Suleiman Umar says solar is the way out because petrol and diesel are costly, while solar means one-time setup, no fuel queues, and steady power. The whole local government areas will soon be lit up and it will be sustainable development growth for Nigerlites, fulfilling the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. There will be no smoke and no noise, which is good for our health, schools, and our farms. Niger State is already key to n...

  Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy of Niger State, is urging installers and homeowners to follow new safety rules for rooftop solar systems as the state drives green energy growth. “Don’t cut corners with solar,” Honourable Suleiman Umar said. “One wrong connection can destroy everything you are trying to power.” Commissioner Suleiman gave the advice as Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency officials have repeatedly warned that power cables and communication cables must be routed separately and never run together in the same conduit. Combining them can lead to signal interference, degraded system performance, and a higher risk of electrical faults or fire. NEMSA also advised regular maintenance: clean solar panels to prevent dust buildup and overheating, inspect cables, connectors, and inverters often, and replace any damaged parts immediately. “Solar PV system installers and members of the public must take note of the guidelines and e...

Honourable Suleiman Umar invites power investors to Niger State as states overtake national grid deals Honourable Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy of Niger State, is calling on investors to bring their power projects to Niger State. The New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago is ready to accommodate them. Power State is poised to reap significant benefits from renewable energy projects efficiently and effectively for the people of Niger State.  His call comes as investors across Nigeria are shifting away from the national grid and betting on state-led electricity deals. A new PwC report says these deals are easier to finance because they link power plants directly to the people who use the light — hospitals, factories, and water works. The rules are clearer, the cash flow is more visible, and the risk is lower. “Investors are assessing projects on a case-by-case basis, with bankability driven by regulatory clarity, tariff credibility and cash-flow v...