The Niger State Government has said it is time for a pivotal moment that signals the collective readiness of the state to confront the current energy challenges and shape a new, brighter future for 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 the German Agency for International Development (GIZ), held at the Siyam Conference and Event Centre in Minna.
The Governor observed that for far too long, Nigerians have endured the burden of a dysfunctional power system, adding that despite years of reforms and investments, many homes have remained 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.
According to him, the state cannot continue to lament; hence, the choice of a different path; a path of action, courage, and collaboration which the gathering symbolizes. “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. He disclosed 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 a power state but in natural endowments, adding that its rivers and dams hold immense potential for harnessing hydroelectric power. He emphasized that building a functioning electricity market requires more than just policy or law but partnership, adding that it was time for collaboration, alignment, and collective ownership of the sector’s future.
Governor Bago 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 said.
He commended the leadership and staff of NSERC for their efforts so far, adding that they are trailblazers and that the work the commission has started is laying the foundation for a new era of electricity deregulation in Nigeria. He promised 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 potential was unutilized.
Dr. Santuraki noted that the role of the stakeholders in the gathering was to provide a clear roadmap that would 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 the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC), Engr. Mohammed Sharu, said that since its creation in late 2024, the commission has made some significant strides to improve electricity performance in the state.
The NSERC boss disclosed that by July 9, 2025, the transition process of electricity regulation in the state from NERC would be completed, and that the state would take full responsibility for the regulatory role in the state electricity market. He added that they were focused on ensuring that both service providers and consumers have value for their investment and money.
