The Niger State Government has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy sustainable, decentralized solar power solutions across the state, a move set to deliver electricity to approximately 1.5 million residents in rural areas.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during a high-level roundtable engagement in Abuja on Friday, outlines a long-term collaboration aimed at harnessing the state’s vast renewable energy potential to drive economic growth and reduce reliance on the national grid.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, often referred to as the Farmer Governor described the agreement as a critical pathway to sustainable development.
He highlighted that Niger State is uniquely positioned to lead the renewable energy transition, boasting strong solar radiation averaging between 5.5 and 7.0 kWh per square meter per day.
Beyond solar potential, Governor Bago noted that the state possesses significant biomass resources derived from its extensive agricultural base, viable wind corridors, and nationally strategic hydroelectric assets.
He revealed that his administration has already begun a strategic shift by gradually transitioning government institutions off the national grid in favor of renewable sources.
“We have embraced renewable energy not just as an alternative, but as a primary source of power supply,” Bago stated, reaffirming his administration’s readiness to invest heavily in ensuring a guaranteed power supply for the state.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized that decentralized, independent renewable sources represent the only viable solution for effectively electrifying Nigeria’s rural clusters.
Aliyu provided a detailed breakdown of the project’s scope in Niger State, disclosing that 69,300 households across 3,564 communities have been identified for the initiative.
The project aims to inject 20 megawatts of electricity into these areas, directly benefiting about 1.5 million people.
“Funding has already been secured to engage the private sector, which will be responsible for constructing the transmission and distribution infrastructure required to reach all benefiting communities,” Aliyu explained.
He further contextualized the initiative within the federal government’s broader energy goals, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved what is arguably the world’s largest renewable energy project.
This national plan intends to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians through 1,350 mini-grids, 250 of which will be interconnected.
Doris Uboh, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, elaborated on the developmental impact of the partnership.
She highlighted the e-HEART initiative focusing on Energy, Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural communities, and Transportation.
According to Uboh, the project is designed to benefit 100 communities in Niger State, mirroring similar interventions across the federation to ensure energy access translates into tangible improvements in living standards.
Speaking on the economic implications, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, described energy as the foundation for productivity and competitiveness.
He asserted that by securing dependable and affordable decentralized power, Niger State is positioning itself to unlock inclusive growth and maximize its status within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
