Light up Power State

  Niger State has taken a major step to lead Nigeria’s renewable transition after the Federal Executive Council approved a $160 million financing package for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project. The package consists of $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank and $10 million counterpart funding from the Niger State Government. At the center of the project is the development of a 100-megawatt solar plant that will expand electricity access, improve reliability, and diversify the country’s energy mix through clean power. Farmer Governor Umaru Bago said the approval shows Niger State’s capacity to attract and manage large-scale investment. “This is more than funding. It is a vote of confidence in what we are building here. The 100MW plant will bring light to rural communities, support our industries, and create new opportunities across the state,” he said. The project follows months of preparation between the state government and the Islamic Development Bank. A few ...

  Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, has urged Nigerlites, investors and stakeholders to take advantage of the Federal Government’s renewed push for solar and local manufacturing. The call follows the FG’s commissioning of a 200-kilowatt solar PV system at SON’s Lagos lab, and the new NASENI–REA MoU to produce and deploy solar technologies locally under the “Nigeria First Policy.” The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the move will expand electricity access, strengthen grid reliability, attract private investment and grow Nigeria’s solar value chain. “Niger State is already one of the leading states in the sustainable development of solar,” Hon. Suleiman Umar said. “With FG reforms on standards, local content and manufacturing, the timing is right. Every government initiative now is an advantage for every Nigerlite to embrace.” He noted that REAN and SON have also strengthened their partnership to curb fake and substandard solar products. Wit...

Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, has commended the strengthened collaboration between the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, REAN, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, to tackle the influx of fake and substandard renewable energy products. The Commissioner described the move as “well deserved” and a timely reinforcement of efforts he called for just last week. During stakeholder engagements, Hon. Suleiman Umar stressed the need for strict enforcement and joint action by NERC, SON, NEMSA, REA and the Nigeria Customs Service to stop counterfeit solar components from entering the market. He emphasized that strict quality assurance and effective oversight are critical to ensure renewable energy services are delivered with seriousness and effectiveness across the sector. “I didn’t expect this collaboration would come so soon to strengthen policy,” the Commissioner noted. “But this development shows that Nigeria’s renewable energy...

Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment with the presentation of a pensionable employment letter to Miss Aisha Abdulkadir. The appointment letter was presented on behalf of the Commissioner by his Special Technical Assistant, A.B. Shettima.  The presentation was administered by the Bida LGA party leadership, led by Ibrahim Umar, alongside Umar Majigi B Ward Chairman. Also present at the ceremony were Hamza Abubakar, Hon. Musa Shettima, the parents of the beneficiary and other well wishers. Miss Aisha Abdulkadir, granddaughter of the Wali’s family residing opposite Hajiya LoLo’s house in Bida, expressed appreciation for the opportunity. The appointment reflects Hon. Suleiman Umar’s pledge to secure meaningful, pensionable jobs for Niger youth who excel academically and demonstrate discipline in their communities, and to ensure such opportunities reach deserving households in his constituency and...

  Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, says the 500-hectare solar farm at Diko, Gurara LGA, adds new strength to Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s economic transformation agenda. Hon. Suleiman Umar expressed delight at the Farmer Governor’s decisive action in handing over land to Abuja Steel Mills Ltd. “This is leadership in action,” he said. “Seeing Farmer Governor Umaru Bago personally encourage investors into Niger State, create jobs, and put our state on the national map is truly inspiring. He is making Niger State proud and turning the New Niger vision into reality.” He noted that the solar farm and industrial park will reshape the state’s industrial landscape, expand opportunities, and position Niger State as a leading destination for sustainable investment. With the state government set to gazette 200,000 hectares from Diko to Tafa for industries, Hon. Suleiman Umar said the state is ready to leverage the AKK gas pipeline and vast land for ind...

  Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, says Nigerlites must prepare now to take full advantage of the opportunities opening under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda. “Niger State is no longer watching from the sidelines,” Hon. Suleiman Umar stated. “Under the New Niger Agenda, we have aligned with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deliver energy security, jobs, and climate resilience. Today, international institutions across the world have recognised Niger State in renewable energy. Our solar roadmap is being studied because Niger State now leads and is recognised in global growth in energy markets.” He cited the US$150 million approval by the Islamic Development Bank, IsDB. for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project as proof of global confidence. With investors and stakeholders already showing interest, he said the next phase must involve youths and communities at the...

  Hon. Suleiman Umar, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Niger State, says the US$150 million approval by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a proof that the world is taking Niger State’s energy vision seriously. The IsDB Board approved the facility for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project to expand clean electricity generation, improve power reliability, diversify the energy mix and support climate mitigation efforts across the state. “This is not just funding. It is a statement,” Hon. Suleiman Umar said. “When a global institution like IsDB commits $150 million to Niger State, it means they believe in our direction under the New Niger Agenda of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. They see what we see: that the future of power is here and it is solar.” The Commissioner noted that Niger State is blessed with one of the highest solar irradiation levels in Nigeria, yet years of over-reliance on the national grid and diesel/petrol generators have kept homes and busin...