In a bid to enhance electricity supply to residents of Niger State, the Niger State Government, in collaboration with the Abuja Electricity Development Company (AEDC), has unveiled the “Light Up Niger 2024” initiative.
The initiative, announced during a meeting at the Government House in Minna, marks a significant partnership between the State government and AEDC aimed at ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply to Nigerlites.
Led by Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the State government expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing the pivotal role of electricity in driving development, particularly as the State advances into industrialization and processing zones.
Governor Bago highlighted the abundance of hydro dams in Niger State, contributing approximately 60% of Nigeria’s electricity, underscoring the region’s potential in the energy sector.
Addressing challenges such as metering, Governor Bago disclosed plans for the establishment of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, signaling the State’s commitment to regulating its power sector effectively.
Eng. Chijioke Okwuokenye, Chief Operations Officer of AEDC, praised the collaborative efforts between the State government and AEDC, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in sustaining electricity supply. He lauded the State’s support through initiatives like supplying transformers to communities, crucial for the private sector’s survival.
The launch of the “Light Up Niger” initiative follows the State Government’s ultimatum to AEDC, demanding improved power supply or the possibility of switching to another Distribution Company. The subsequent improvement in power supply prompted the initiation of this collaborative effort.
With the “Light Up Niger 2024” initiative underway, residents can anticipate significant strides towards a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply in Niger State.
The details of the meeting were made known to the public by Abdullbery Usman Ebbo, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Niger State Governor via his X microblog account on Wednesday.
