N-HYPPADEC partner Niger govt. to boost Infrastructure, safety in Riverine Communities

By Daniel Ebi, Minna. 

The New Hydro power producing area development Commission,  N-HYPPADEC has partnered the Niger State government agriculture programme by donating 860 13 hp hand driven power tillers and providing 4000 life jackets for riverine communities. 

Reappointed Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC,  Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar Yelwa disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of the items at the Commission’s headquarters in Minna on Wednesday. 

He explained that the Commision is committed to the welfare of people living within the Hydro electric producing areas by intervening in projects that will lift the inhabitants out of poverty.

According to him, the items distributed are part of the mandate of the commission to support people and communities living around areas affected by Hydro dam operations. 

” We are intervening in the area of infrastructure,  economic development and Agriculture to ensure our people are positively impacted, ” Yelwa noted.

He however explained that the Commission could not accomplish all their set goals due to funding challenges as the Hydro power stations and electricity producers are claiming that they are owed about four Trillion Naira.

” once those Funds are released,  we will work with each community and identify their needs and intervene appropriately according to their needs “

The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) to improve infrastructure and enhance the living conditions of residents, especially those in riverine communities.

Governor Umar Mohammed Bago made this known during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of 13HP hand-driven power tillers, life jackets, and relief materials to communities under the commission’s care.

Governor Bago Flagging -off the intervention equipment,  thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, describing it as a sign of the President’s dedication to the commission’s development goals.

 He also commended Yelwa’s foresight and efforts to reach out to flood-affected communities in the state.

Highlighting the state’s challenges, the governor noted that Niger is bordered by two major rivers that often overflow, causing floods and boat accidents. He stressed the need for continuous public sensitization and strict enforcement of life jacket use across all jetties in the state to reduce casualties.

“It is our prayer that with these new measures, we will reduce deaths caused by floods and boat mishaps,” Governor

 Bago said. He added that the federal government and Aliko Dangote Foundation have shown interest in supporting flood prevention projects through reputable contractors.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Matthew Ahmad, appreciated N-HYPPADEC’s efforts, saying the equipment would greatly boost agricultural productivity across the state. He also urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly.

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Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, thanked God for the initiative and commended N-HYPPADEC’s leadership for its impact on communities in Niger and other member states.