Niger State Government and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC have come up with an initiative that will improve the electricity supply to residents of Niger State.
The initiative code name “Light Up Niger 2024” would be a collaboration between the state government and the AEDC to ensure a steady power supply to Nigerlites.
This was brought to the fore when the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, received the AEDC delegation led by its Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Chijioke Okwuokenye at the Government House, Minna.
Governor Umaru Bago described the initiative as a welcome development because Niger State is host to four hydro dams, and the dams contribute about 60% electricity in Nigeria.
He also observed that power supply is key to development, especially as the State is moving into an industrialization and processing zone.
The Governor expressed optimism that the “Light Up Niger” project will also proffer a solution to the metering challenge in the state.
Governor Umaru Bago disclosed that the Electricity Act has been domesticated in the State, and the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been created.
He further stated that the necessary paperwork for the Regulatory Commission will soon be completed so that the State can start generating and distributing its own power.
The Chief Operating Officer of AEDC, Engineer. Chijioke Okwuokenye explained that the “Light Up Niger” project when it takes off, will pave way for greater things to come as the whole scope is to come up with the best measures that will improve and sustain electricity supply to Niger State.
He commended the support of the Bago-led administration through the supply of transformers to communities saying that the private sector needs such support for survival and assured that the Company is willing to continue to partner with the State Government for the desired result.
Recently, the State Government described as unacceptable the continuous erratic and epileptic power supply in the state and demanded for about 24 hours of power supply, or the state will withdraw from the AEDC to join another Distribution Company.
The situation improved immediately after that decision by the State Government, which has now brought about the “Light Up Niger” initiative.
