Bago Urges Nigerians to Ignore AEDC, Embrace Solar Power

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has urged residents to embrace solar energy as a lasting solution to the persistent blackout affecting parts of the state.

The governor made the call while addressing journalists over a planned protest by civil society groups against prolonged electricity outages, which residents say have caused hardship and frustration across Minna and other areas.

Bago said electricity distribution is a private, business-driven venture and questioned the rationale behind protesting government over power failures. He noted that if residents insist on protesting poor supply, he would join them, as the outages affect everyone in the state.

According to him, the state has established its own solar system company and is encouraging households to transition to alternative power sources, particularly solar energy, to reduce dependence on the national grid.

The governor disclosed that government facilities such as hospitals, schools, and the Government House have already been moved off the national grid to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. He maintained that wider adoption of solar power by residents would significantly ease the electricity challenges currently being experienced.

Bago also addressed concerns over water scarcity in Minna, attributing the problem to decades of neglect of water infrastructure. He explained that many pipelines in the state capital are over 30 to 40 years old and have deteriorated significantly.

He assured residents that the government is working to desilt the Tagwai Dam, replace ageing pipelines, improve water distribution systems, and construct additional reservoirs to ensure steady access to potable water. In the interim, water tankers are being deployed to supply affected communities, while partnerships with development agencies are underway to drill boreholes in areas lacking safe drinking water.

On insecurity in parts of the state, the governor called for patience and cooperation, assuring citizens that measures are being implemented to address the situation.

While acknowledging the current hardships, Bago appealed to residents to remain patient, stressing that the ongoing interventions are aimed at delivering lasting solutions to electricity, water, and security challenges in Niger State.