From Rashidat Suleiman ,Minna
Niger state Government said it’s time to pivotal moment to signals the collective readiness of the state confronting the energy challenges of our time and shap a new brighter future of electricity in Niger state .
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba made this declaration on Wednesday, while declaring open the maiden stakeholders’ engagement on the New Niger State Electricity Market, organized by the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) in partnership with German Agency For International Development (GIZ), held at the Siyam Conference and Event Centre, Minna.
The Governor observed that for far too long, Nigerians have endured the burden of a dysfunctional power system, adding despite years of reforms and investments, many homes has remain in darkness.
“The unreliability of power supply suffocates our small businesses and large industries alike, and the cost of running generators continues to erode livelihoods and profit margins. Hospitals, schools, and rural communities bear the brunt of this burden,” he said.
He added that the state cannot continue to lament, hence the choice of a different path, a path of action, courage, and collaboration which the gathering symbolized. “We are here because Niger State has resolved to take its energy destiny into its own hands,” said the Governor.
He further highlighted that the signing of the electricity act by the federal government in 2023 provided the opportunity and responsibility for the state to develop and manage its electricity markets, disclosing that on December 19, 2024, the present administration signed into law the Niger State Power Sector Law, establishing the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The Governor also mentioned that the state is blessed not just in name as power state, but in natural endowments, adding that our rivers and dams holds immense potential for harnessing hydroelectric power.
He emphasised that building a functioning electricity market requires more than just policy or law, but partnership, adding it was time for collaboration, for alignment, and for collective ownership of the sector’s future.
The Governor also urged Nigerlites to participate actively in the engagement for the betterment of the state. “Fellow Nigerlites, it is worth noting that this engagement platform is not just about electricity it is about prosperity, productivity, and the dignity of life in every household. We are not just regulating power, we are empowering people.
He commended the leadership and staff of NSERC for their efforts so far, adding that they are strailblazers and that the work the commission have started is laying foundation for a new era of electricity deregulation in Nigeria, promising the support of the government to the commission.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Mohammud Santuraki commended the Governor for establishing the state electricity regulation commission, saying the gathering was a clear commitment to transparency in electricity regulation in the state.
He observed that Niger State is richly blessed with the potential to provide electricity needed in the country due to its geographical advantage, but that the potentials were unutilized.
Dr. Santuraki added that the role of the stakeholders in the gathering was to provide a clear roadmap that will promote electricity performance in the state, urging them to utilize the opportunity of the gathering to provide more equitable, reliable, affordable and accessible electricity for all.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC), Engr. Mohammed Sharu said since creation in late 2024, the commission has made some significant stride to improve electricity performance in the state.
He disclosed that by July 9, 2025 the transition process of electricity regulation in the state from the NERC will be completed, and that the state will take full responsibility of the regulatory role in the state electricity market, adding that they were focused to make both the service providers and consumers have value for their investment and money.