Niger Residents Question Solar Power Amid Blackouts

Residents of Niger State are increasingly frustrated with persistent blackouts, especially during significant religious celebrations like Eid al-Fitr. Governor Umaru Bago, during a media briefing on February 28, 2026, encouraged residents to consider solar power as an alternative due to the unreliability of the national grid.

However, many residents, including traders in Minna, criticized this advice as unrealistic, given their economic struggles. The Niger State Government has already disconnected several communities from the national grid and is exploring mini solar systems to improve power supply.

Despite hosting major hydropower facilities like Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro dams, local electricity supply remains unreliable. The government plans to shift towards independent power generation to reduce reliance on the national grid.

Additionally, the state house is set to disconnect from the national grid in March 2026 following the completion of its solar power project, with a total commitment of N17 billion for the initiative.