Daniel Otera
The North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has transformed the lives of residents in Eddah, a community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, by connecting it to the national grid after over four decades without electricity. The milestone was marked with the inauguration of a 300 KVA electrification sub-station project on Tuesday, bringing reliable power to the community for the first time.
Mr Olubunmi Peters, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NSPCL, speaking through Mr Hassan Abdullahi, Consultant to NSPCL on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), highlighted the significance of the project.
“Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is not merely a goal in itself; it is the key that unlocks the door to achieving many other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated. He cited a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, noting that “a 10 per cent increase in energy access can reduce poverty by about six per cent in Africa.”
The electrification project, executed by the NSPCL Foundation as part of its CSR initiatives, is designed to empower host communities within the company’s operational areas. The 300 KVA sub-station is expected to provide a stable power supply, enabling households and businesses in Eddah to thrive. Beyond electricity, the foundation has plans to further impact the community. Peters disclosed that a rice mill project is in the pipeline, alongside other initiatives such as building and renovating schools, health facilities, and water infrastructure.
“We are committed to touching all aspects of the SDGs and adding value to people’s lives across our host communities,” he said.
Community ownership was a key theme during the inauguration. Peters urged Eddah residents to protect the sub-station from vandalism, emphasising that their participation is crucial to the project’s sustainability.
“This is your project. Guard it, maintain it, and ensure it serves you for years to come,” he advised.
Mr Chioke Ugochukwu, Chief Operating Officer of NSPCL, underscored the broader benefits of the electrification effort.
“Today, the Eddah community is dignified through the electrification project that brings electricity to the doorstep of the community,” he said.
He highlighted how the project would drive economic empowerment, support small-scale industries, enhance security, and improve the quality of life.
“This is about illumination, speed of life, happiness, and creating opportunities for growth,” Ugochukwu added.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for the intervention. Alhaji Garba Bala, District Head of Zumba, represented by Alhaji Garba Abara, Village Head of Zumba, commended NSPCL’s management for their commitment to the community’s development. He appealed for similar projects in neighbouring communities, noting the transformative impact of electricity. Similarly, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Ward Head of Eddah, described the project as a game-changer.
“This electricity will boost our businesses and make our community safer at night,” he said, expressing optimism about the economic and security benefits.
The inauguration was attended by key stakeholders, including members of the NSPCL board of trustees, representatives of the Shiroro Local Government chairman, and the chairman of the Shiroro Dam Host Stakeholders Committee. The event underscored the collaborative effort between the company and the community to achieve sustainable development.
Nigeria’s electricity challenge remains one of the biggest obstacles to its development despite vast natural resources. Data shows that only about 45 percent of Nigerians are connected to the national grid, with millions of households still depending on generators, candles, and firewood for basic energy needs. This has left the country with an energy poverty rate of 75.5 percent, meaning three in every four citizens lack access to reliable power, especially in rural communities.
Another pressing issue is metering. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported that as of September 2023, only 44.5 percent of registered electricity customers were metered. By late 2024, the situation had improved only slightly, with over 53 percent of customers still unmetered, forcing them to rely on estimated billing.
Yet, studies on rural electrification particularly through solar mini-grids highlight the potential of alternative solutions. Communities that gained access to renewable energy reported improved incomes, better productivity, enhanced health and safety, and greater gender inclusion, proving that energy access is not just about electricity but about economic and social transformation.
The foundation’s plans for additional projects, such as the rice mill, signal a long-term commitment to uplifting Eddah and similar communities.