By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to boost electricity supply to the state, through the “Light up Niger” 2024 initiative, The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has disclosed that it would be partnering with the Niger State Government. The company in a statement in Abuja explained that the initiative would be implemented in collaboration with the state government to ensure a steady power supply to Nigerlites.
AEDC disclosed that the partnership was agreed upon when a delegation led by its Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Chijioke Okwuokenye visited Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House, Minna.
Bago, who described the initiative as a welcome development, pointed out that Niger State hosts four hydro dams which contribute about 60 percent of electricity supply in Nigeria.
He also observed that power supply “is key to development especially as the state is moving into an industrialization era and processing zone”.
He expressed optimism that the ‘Light Up Niger’ project will also proffer solution to the metering challenge in the State, adding that the Electricity Act 2023 has been domesticated in the State and that the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been created.
He further stated that the necessary paperwork for the Regulatory Commission will soon be completed so that the State can start generating and distributing its own power.
On his part, the COO, AEDC, Engr. Okwuokenye explained that the ‘Light Up Niger’ project, when it takes off, will pave way for greater things to come as the whole scope is to come up with the best measures that will improve and sustain electricity supply to Niger State.
He commended the support of the Bago-led administration through the supply of transformers to communities, saying that the private sector needs such support for survival and assured that the company is willing to continue to partner with the State Government for the desired result.
