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Signs Niger State Electricity Bill into law
By John Adams, Minna
In its bid to actualise independent power generation, the Niger State Government has announced plans to convert the famous Gurara Waterfalls into a hydro-electricity dam. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during a meeting with key stakeholders and council members in Gawu Babangida, the headquarters of Gurara Local Government Area, as part of his statewide project monitoring tour.
Governor Bago stated that upon completion, the project would position Gurara among the electricity-generating councils in the state, enhancing economic activities and providing employment opportunities for local youths.
This initiative follows the recent signing of the Niger State Electricity Bill into law. The bill, known as “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024,” aims to establish the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission and other entities to ensure stable power supply and drive economic growth. The law will come into effect on 19th December 2024 and addresses electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and related aspects within the state.
Governor Bago emphasised the strategic importance of Gurara due to its untapped potential and assured stakeholders that his administration would fully harness these resources for the benefit of the local population.
Additionally, the Governor outlined several key projects for Gurara Local Government, including the completion of the ongoing 5-kilometre township road, another 5-kilometre road in Izom, and the reconstruction of the 45-kilometre road connecting Izom to Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory. Other projects include the construction of a Gurara games resort, a N120 million modern trailer park to ease traffic on the busy Minna-Suleja road, provision of potable water through partnerships, and the development of a green energy park.
Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, and Council Chairman, Abdul-Halim Abubakar, expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his visit and the various meaningful projects underway in the area.