By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger State government has commenced the construction of 100 megawatts solar power plant aimed at strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure and enhanced electricity supply to citizens.
The Chairman of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), Mustapha Abubakar, stated this during a quarterly media briefing in Minna.
He said, “The Niger State Government has secured a $150 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to finance a 100 megawatts solar power project aimed at expanding electricity access and strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure”.
Abubakar said the state government will complement the IsDB financing with an additional $10 million counterpart contribution, bringing the total investment in the solar power project to $160 million.
Abubakar attributed the successful approval of the financing to the state government’s prudent execution of the Minna-Bida Road project, adding that, “the strong implementation record of the Bida- Minna road project strengthened Niger state credibility index with the Islamic Development Bank”.
” I can tell you in the portfolio of IsDB as of today, the Minna-Bida Road project is the best-managed project, and because of the way we have effectively managed the project, it has helped us secure a loan for the solar project,” he said.
He explained that the solar power project will be sited in Maikunkele and will incorporate social amenities designed to improve the living standards of residents around surrounding communities.
According to him, “the project is designed to occupy approximately 200 hectares and generate 100 megawatts of electricity, providing a more reliable power supply for communities while supporting industrialisation, boosting agricultural productivity and stimulating broader economic growth across the state”.
He explained that the project forms part of Niger State’s broader strategy to reduce its dependence on the national electricity grid and improve energy reliability for households, businesses and critical industries.
