Residents of some communities in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State have expressed relief following the gradual restoration of electricity supply after a prolonged outage that caused frustration across the affected areas.
Communities such as Darachita, Bangaie, Low Cost, Kobo Area, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Quarters, Polytechnic Layout and Cabs Layout are now experiencing improved power supply as repair works continue on the Barrack Feeders network.
The intervention follows the delivery of critical materials by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), which enabled technicians to commence and sustain repair and reconnection efforts across the affected locations.
Speaking on the development, the Niger State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Suleiman Umar, told journalists the intervention reflects the administration’s emphasis on responsive governance and infrastructure development under the New Niger Agenda championed by Farmer Governor Umar Mohammed Bago.
He said since assuming office, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, had consistently prioritised projects and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens across the state’s 25 local government areas.
Umar stressed that the state government remains committed to working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve electricity supply across Niger State and ensure that residents enjoy the benefits of sustainable development.
Hon. Umar urged communities across the state to continue embracing dialogue and constructive engagement whenever challenges arise.
A Bida resident, Abdul Mamman, described the development as a welcome relief after days of blackout, noting that the arrival of repair materials marked a turning point in the situation.
“The moment the poles, cables and other equipment arrived, technicians immediately moved in and started work. It gave us hope that power would soon be fully restored,” he said, adding that the delivery of poles, cables and other essential equipment triggered immediate mobilisation of engineers, who began replacement and reconnection works across the affected communities.
He commended the commissioner for his coordination with AEDC officials and closely monitoring the efforts to ensure the timely release of equipment needed for the repairs, adding that his active involvement contributed significantly to the swift response.a
He also lauded the chairman of the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, Mohammed Madami Etsu, for facilitating inter-agency collaboration for the project.
