Niger community gets electricity after four decades

The North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has connected the Eddah community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State to the national grid, ending over 40 years without electricity.

The project was commissioned on Tuesday, with NSPCL’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Olubunmi Peters, announcing that the community now has a 300 KVA electrification substation to serve its residents.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the initiative was carried out by the NSPCL Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility to host communities.

Represented at the event by Mr. Hassan Abdullahi, NSPCL’s CSR consultant, Peters stressed that access to affordable and reliable electricity is central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said: “Energy access is not just an end in itself; it is a driver for many other development goals. A UNDP report shows that a 10 percent rise in energy access can cut poverty in Africa by around six percent.”

Peters also revealed that the foundation plans to execute more projects in Eddah, including a rice mill, and extend its interventions to education, healthcare, and water supply. He urged residents to safeguard the facility against vandalism and ensure its sustainability through community ownership.

Speaking at the event, NSPCL’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Chioke Ugochukwu, said the electrification project was designed to restore dignity to the people of Eddah.

“With electricity now at their doorstep, the community can enjoy improved security, economic growth, small-scale industries, faster pace of life, and overall happiness,” he noted.

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In his remarks, the District Head of Zumba, Alhaji Garba Bala, represented by the Village Head, Alhaji Garba Abara, commended NSPCL and called for similar projects in nearby communities.

The Ward Head of Eddah, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, also expressed joy, noting that the development would boost local businesses and enhance safety in the area.

The inauguration was witnessed by members of NSPCL’s board of trustees, representatives of Shiroro council chairman, and officials of the Shiroro Dam Host Stakeholders Committee.