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The Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC) has lauded the Niger State government for what it describes as a leap in power delivery through the deployment of solar mini-grids across underserved communities.
A subsidiary of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC), the company commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for driving an ambitious renewable energy programme that is restoring electricity to areas left in prolonged darkness.
The state’s initiative is providing round-the-clock solar power to more than 180 communities that had endured over a decade without reliable electricity. Beyond households, critical public institutions — including Government House, the General Hospital, the IBB Specialist Hospital, the Niger State Water Board and several ministries, departments and agencies — have been migrated to independent solar systems, significantly reducing their reliance on the traditional grid.
Power sector stakeholders say the intervention represents a practical response to infrastructure gaps, especially in rural and semi-urban communities where grid extension has remained financially and technically challenging. Chijioke Okwuokenye, Managing Director of AEDC, described the development as a model of forward-thinking governance aligned with national reforms.
“We fully support the Niger State Government’s proactive approach to expanding access to reliable electricity through renewables. These efforts complement the national push for decentralised power under the Electricity Act 2023 and demonstrate how collaboration between government, regulators, and licensed operators can accelerate progress for our customers,” he said.
Also commenting, Sam Odekina, Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of NEDC, emphasised the company’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the state.
“The deployment of solar mini-grids in previously unserved areas aligns perfectly with our shared goal of inclusive electrification. As the licensed intrastate distributor under the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC), NEDC is eager to partner closely with the state government on hybrid solutions, grid integration where feasible, and innovative projects that deliver sustainable benefits to residents, businesses, and institutions alike,” he stated.
The reforms are unfolding within the decentralised electricity market structure enabled by the Electricity Act 2023 and supervised at the state level by the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC).
Solar mini-grid projects in communities such as Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area — supported by partnerships with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and development partners — underscore how renewable solutions can complement grid infrastructure while accelerating energy access.
NEDC assured of its commitment to pursuing hybrid grid-renewable systems, commercially viable expansions and structured public-private partnerships that will fast-track electrification across Niger State.
With sustained collaboration, both the utility and the government believe the solar drive will unlock wider economic benefits, boosting productivity, strengthening public services, improving livelihoods and laying the foundation for a resilient, inclusive energy future.
