By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, stated this while delivering a welcome address at the ‘New Niger Quarterly Media Briefing’ held at the ICT Centre in Minna on Tuesday.
He explained that the briefing serves as a strategic platform for engagement between government and citizens through the media, enabling commissioners and agency heads to present updates on policies, programmes, and ongoing initiatives.
According to him, the forum also provides an avenue to clarify issues, address misconceptions, and gather feedback that will enhance service delivery.
Hon. Nana commended the media for its role in promoting informed public discourse and democratic governance, urging journalists to continue asking objective and constructive questions.
He reaffirmed Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration’s commitment to building a “New Niger” where citizens actively participate in governance, adding that feedback from the engagement would be documented and used to improve policy implementation.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mohammed Gana, disclosed that the state has intensified efforts to tackle persistent electricity challenges, with approval already secured for a landmark 100-megawatt solar power project.
Dr. Gana acknowledged that power supply in the state remains inadequate, underscoring the urgent need for improvements to support development and maximise the impact of government projects.
He revealed that the solar project, once completed, will significantly boost electricity supply across the state. The ministry, he said, is working closely with the Niger State Electricity Commission and other stakeholders to accelerate solar investments and strengthen the state’s energy mix.
Highlighting ongoing interventions, Dr. Gana noted that electricity is being extended to six boarding secondary schools and upgraded in 17 primary healthcare facilities. He stressed that reliable power is critical to effective healthcare delivery, ensuring uninterrupted services in health institutions.
On infrastructure, he announced that electricity supply to the Ibeto community, cut off for years, is set for restoration, with the project already at 98 per cent completion following government funding support.
Dr. Gana expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the initiative, emphasising the state’s commitment to clean energy. He added that more schools, hospitals, and public facilities would soon be powered by solar systems.
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