***Governor Bago Signs Electricity Bill into Law

By Our Correspondent, Minna

The Niger State Government(NGSG)has announced plans to convert the iconic Gurara Waterfalls into a hydro-electric dam as part of its strategy to achieve independent power generation.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during a meeting with key stakeholders and council members at Gawu Babangida, headquarters of Gurara Local Government Area, during his statewide project monitoring tour.
According to the governor, the hydro-electric project will position Gurara Local Government Area as an electricity-generating hub, enhancing economic activities and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
This development is coming after the recent assent to the Niger State Electricity Bill by Governor Bago at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna.
The legislation, known as “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024,” establishes frameworks for independent power generation and distribution within the state.

The law provides for the creation of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Niger State Electricity Company and
Niger State Electricity Agency

It also covers various aspects of intra-state electricity, including generation, transmission, trading, distribution, retail supply, rural electrification, and the establishment of a state electricity market.
Operations under the new law commenced on December 19, 2024.
Governor Bago emphasized the strategic importance of Gurara Local Government Area, citing its vast potentials.
He assured stakeholders that his administration is committed to fully harnessing these opportunities for the benefit of the people.
Other planned projects in the area included an additional 5-kilometer road in Izom, Completion of the 45-kilometer Izom-Gwagwalada road connecting the Federal Capital Territory, Development of the Gurara Games Resort and Construction of a ₦120 million modern trailer park to ease traffic on the Minna-Suleja road.
Others are the provision of potable water through partnerships and the Establishment of a green energy park under a tripartite arrangement.
Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, and Gurara Council Chairman, Abdul-Halim Abubakar, commended Governor Bago for his commitment to developing the area.
They expressed gratitude for the ongoing projects and pledged their support for the administration’s initiatives.
The ambitious plan aligns with Niger State’s broader goals of enhancing energy security, driving economic growth, and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.

***Governor Bago Condoles with Families of Victims

Over 60 people were killed in a tragic explosion early Saturday morning at the popular Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

An eyewitness reported that the petrol tanker, traveling from Lagos to a northern state, became stuck on a bad section of the road at the junction. While attempting to navigate the spot, the tanker overturned, spilling its highly flammable contents.

Disaster struck when local youths, attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, were caught in a massive explosion. The fire claimed the lives of many scoopers, passersby, and motorists. Vehicles, motorcycles, shops, and other properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.

Several people sustained varying degrees of burns and are currently receiving treatment at a government healthcare facility in the area.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the frequent occurrence of fuel tanker accidents in the state as heartbreaking.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the deceased while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The governor directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to respond swiftly to the disaster.
Governor Bago also urged security agencies to ensure the safety of the affected area and called on residents to prioritize their safety and avoid risky behavior.
This incident is the latest in a series of recurring fuel tanker explosions in Niger State, which have claimed over 100 lives and destroyed properties worth hundreds of millions of naira since 2019.
In 2019 alone, three major tanker explosions occurred, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.
A similar disaster in May 2019 at the same Dikko Junction killed 26 people, destroyed 35 shops, and burned 19 vehicles.
Between July and October 2020, three more tanker-related explosions further devastated the state.
In response to these frequent tragedies, former Governor Alhaji Sani Bello proposed banning fuel tankers from state highways, threatening violators with fines or jail terms.
However, the law was never implemented before the end of his tenure in 2023.
This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of road users in Niger State.

Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has made a significant policy shift aimed at improving educational access for children in the state by abolishing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies in public schools.
This move is part of a broader strategy to ease the financial burdens on families and encourage higher enrollment rates, particularly for girls.

The Governor made the declaration on Thursday in Sarkin Pawa, Munya Local Government Area, during his ongoing tour of developmental projects in the region.
He stated that the state government would now fully assume responsibility for the PTA levies, which have traditionally been a financial challenge for many parents.
Governor Bago’s initiative focuses not just on reducing the financial barriers to education, but also on promoting gender equality in school enrollment. The governor urged parents to prioritize sending their children, especially girls, to school, making it clear that school uniforms should no longer be a reason to keep children out of school.
“Uniforms should never stop a child from attending school. If a child is sent back home because of a lack of uniform, that teacher will face the consequences,” Bago warned.
He emphasized that children could attend classes in personal clothing if necessary, as the government works to remove obstacles to education.
In addition to the policy change on PTA levies, Bago assured the public that the state government was committed to improving school infrastructure and access to education for all.
He stressed that the government would continue to cover the PTA levies, making education more affordable for families.
This step is seen as a direct effort to increase the enrollment rate, particularly for marginalized groups like girls.
While addressing local residents and community leaders, Governor Bago also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the region’s infrastructure.
He announced plans to complete the long-awaited road project connecting Sarkin Pawa to Kaduna State, as well as the construction of new public markets, potable water sources, and healthcare facilities for the people of Munya.
In addition to the educational reforms, local leaders praised the governor’s commitment to improving security in the area. Aminu Najumi, Chairman of Munya Local Government, noted that the region had seen substantial progress in recent months, with security forces providing a sense of safety and restoring confidence among residents.
Governor Bago’s initiatives are already beginning to show results, with local leaders acknowledging the significant reduction in banditry and improved conditions for development.

By eliminating PTA levies and focusing on inclusive educational policies, Governor Bago is not only addressing immediate financial burdens but also laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and equal future for Niger State’s children.