Light up Power State

  When Farmer Governor Umaru Bago promised a New Niger, he meant a Niger that works for Nigerlites. Today, that promise is no longer on paper — it is shining in homes, schools, clinics, and markets across the state. At the centre of that delivery is the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy under Hon. Suleiman Umar, turning vision into volts and policy into real light. Niger State is not waiting for the world to decide on clean energy — it is already leading it. With abundant sunshine and open land, the state is turning nature into power, and power into progress. This journey is strengthened by a bold push from the Federal Government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Electricity Act 2023, has freed states from total dependence on the national grid, opening the door for states like Niger to generate and distribute their own power. Driving this nationally is the Rural Electrification Agency, REA — which in 2025 alone delivered over 200 new mini-grids and is building 900 more...

The confidence of the Honourable Commissioner, Suleiman Umar on power and renewable energy projects in Niger State is not by chance. It is because the world is moving fast towards Green Economy, and Nigeria is moving with it. The Federal Government has created the right environment for states to grow sustainable energy without depending only on the National Grid. From the Energy Transition Plan to the DARES programme, and now to new investments, the FG is making renewable energy possible for ordinary Nigerians. Recently, a fresh $5 million investment came into the sector through PowerGen, supported by All On and partners like WindGen Power USA, ElectriFI, Impact Fund Denmark, SEFA and InfraCo. The investment will create 6,000 new connections, reach 41,000 beneficiaries, generate up to 9MW and to create 470 jobs nationwide, Nigeria’s first interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid, show that this model works. The Federal Government has also set up RAMCO to mobilize N3 trillion into renewabl...

Nigeria’s energy story is changing, and it’s being written rooftop by rooftop, community by community. With over 70 million Nigerians still without electricity, distributed solar has emerged as the fastest bridge to close that access gap. Between 2025 and 2026 alone, the country recorded more than 5 million new off-grid connections. The reason is simple: solar home systems, mini-grids, and productive-use equipment can reach places the national grid cannot, and they can do it now. That momentum is being driven by a mix of federal support, private-sector innovation, and state governments stepping up. A World Bank-backed federal programme is already providing capital subsidies to renewable energy firms to bring down the cost of solar for households and businesses in rural and low-income communities. The goal is ambitious to help connect hundreds of millions of Africans to electricity through faster deployment of solar systems and equipment for shops, farms, and clinics. Industry data show...

The future of development in Niger State will be powered by clean and sustainable energy. Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has therefore made renewable energy a cornerstone of the New Niger Agenda, with clear investments aimed at lowering the cost of power, creating jobs, and ensuring energy security. That is why the Farmer Governor has made it a priority for Niger State to become the capital of renewable energy projects in Nigeria. We are innovating in generation. Our target is 1 gigawatt of solar power by 2030. To get there, we have secured funding for 200 megawatts and we are in advanced procurement with ALDESA Group of CCECC. We are also delivering the IsDB-funded 100 megawatt off-grid solar plant in Makunkele, Bosso Local Government Area. This will be the first 100MW subnational off-grid plant in Nigeria. A 12-member Project Steering Committee is in place to drive delivery. With these, Niger State already has 300 megawatts in active motion. We are innovating in distribution. We...

  The work of government is measured by what changes on the ground. In Niger State, that change is now visible in the energy sector. Under Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the focus has shifted from promises to projects, and this week Government House Minna recorded two major moves that bring the state closer to its energy goal. The administration’s target has always been clear: 1 Gigawatt of solar power by 2030.  This week, the Farmer Governor received ALDESA Group, the renewable energy arm of CCECC. The state has secured additional funding for another 200 megawatts of solar. Bids have been opened and CCECC was invited to formally submit. This is not a pilot. It is scale. From the 100MW IsDB project to this new 200MW, the state is stacking megawatts deliberately. Executive Director, Mr. Austin Qi, said CCECC will key into the state’s commitment to safety, quality and sustainability. The conversation with partners has now moved from intention to delivery t...

The people of Niger State have seen the difference. From Borgu to Wushishi, Agaie to Suleja, Kontagora to Bida, Shiroro to Lapai, development is reaching every community. In one term, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has turned promises into projects, and projects into impact across all 25 Local Government Areas. The foundation has been laid. Now is the time to build on it and finish strong. Agriculture: Feeding Niger, Feeding Nigeria》》The “Farmer Governor” tag is not just a name. It is a movement.   Through massive mechanization, input support, and the Green Economy Initiative, thousands of farmers in every LGA now have access to tractors, fertilizers, and improved seedlings. The 1 Million Hectare Land Preparation Project is opening new farms in Shiroro, Lavun, Kontagora, and beyond. Food production is up, youth are going back to the farm, and Niger is positioning itself as Nigeria’s food basket. Infrastructure: Connecting Every Corner》》Roads that were abandoned for years ...

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 h...