NEDC applauds Niger State’s 24hr solar initiative for underserved communities

The Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), a subsidiary of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC), has formally commended the Niger State Government for its aggressive deployment of solar mini-grids and renewable energy solutions across the state.

The initiative, led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, marks a transformative shift in the state’s energy landscape, targeting over 180 communities that have endured more than a decade of darkness.

Beyond rural electrification, the state’s renewable energy drive has successfully transitioned critical public infrastructure to independent solar systems. Key facilities, including the Government House, the Niger State Water Board, and major tertiary healthcare institutions such as the General Hospital and IBB Specialist Hospital, now benefit from reliable, off-grid power.

This strategic move is designed to insulate essential services from grid instability while reducing the operational costs associated with traditional energy sources.

Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, Managing Director of AEDC, noted that these efforts are a vital complement to the national push for decentralized power authorized under the Electricity Act 2023.

He emphasized that the collaboration between state regulators and licensed operators serves as a blueprint for accelerating energy access.

Echoing this sentiment, Engr. Sam Odekina, the Acting Managing Director of NEDC, highlighted that as the licensed intrastate distributor under the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC), the company is eager to integrate these mini-grids with the existing network where feasible.

The NEDC recognizes that the deployment of solar solutions in areas like Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and international donors is a pragmatic alternative to costly grid extensions.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-source electricity framework, exploring public-private partnerships and hybrid solutions to foster industrial growth and enhance security of supply.

By aligning with NSERC’s regulatory regime, the NEDC and the Niger State Government aim to build a resilient energy future that drives economic development for all citizens.