The Niger state government has allocated 500 hectares of land for the development of a large-scale solar farm and an adjoining industrial park, the governor announced on Saturday, saying the move aims to attract renewable energy investment, expand local manufacturing capacity, and create jobs across the region.
The Niger State governor, Farmer Mohammed Bago, handed over 500 hectares of state land to Abuja Steel Mills for the development of a solar farm and the AIG Industrial Park.
Governor Bago handed over the land at a groundbreaking ceremony in Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, describing the project as the beginning of an initiative that will reshape the industrial landscape and expand opportunities for the people of Niger State.
He said, “What we are witnessing is more than a ceremony, but is a clear declaration of our unwavering commitment to transforming Niger state into a leading investment destination of choice for sustainable economic growth. It is an indication that our vision of building a new Niger is not only a promise, but it is also steadily becoming a reality.
Earlier, in his remarks, the group chairman, African Industries Group (AIG) Raj Gupta, said the 500 hectares given to Abuja Steel Mill Limited is “historic” and that “it’s not just an opportunity to build industry, create jobs, but really for development, upliftment and empowerment of people.”
According to him, “the project will be the largest we currently have, the largest solar power installation in the country and with this, we would perhaps be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa and that puts Nigeria not only on the world steel map but also on the world’s renewable energy map.”
In his remarks, the minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe commended Governor Bago for his industrial statesmanship by handing over 500 hectares of land to the company will drive unprecedented economic development in Niger State, and it is a lasting legacy the governor is leaving behind for the people of the state as it would attract massive investments into the state in a short while.
Also, the minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar commended the governor for his vision by handing over such a massive expanse of land to the company, therefore expressed optimism that it will revolutionise industrialisation in the state.
“We want to thank the governor for handing over the 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills, owned by the African Industries Group.
“They have invested billions of dollars in the Nigerian economy, and they have contributed massively to the vision of Mr President to grow the economy to $1 trillion by 2030 through various industries, including steel, transforming power, and also the various industries. I want to acknowledge and thank Mr President for his vision in enabling us to create a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investments to continue to come into Nigeria”.
On his part, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, said the 500 hectares of land will help industrialise the nation.
He said, “The government can’t deliver on productivity without an event of this nature. I mean, 500 hectares of land is huge. And on that, what I understand is that the largest solar power installation, not just in Nigeria but in West Africa, is going to be located. That is a Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park.
” You know, again and again, the potentials of this country are huge, and they are profound. And I think the only thing that will make them go from potential to reality is a combination of the private sector, the public sector, investors, and all of us coming together to make things work.
“I am glad to be part of this event. This event actually helps me to deliver on my mandate. That mandate is to industrialise our country.
“The CBN has done quite a lot in terms of monetary policies, and we are still where we are. The missing gap is productivity.
“And through this one event today, a lot more people are going to be gainfully employed. Earlier, we were told that there are close to 1,800 people already employed by this group. This land that is being given today, and the industries that are going to be set up, will employ more and more people.
“In terms of how much we spend having to import a lot of products, steel products and all of that, what African Industries Group is doing provides us some kind of solution. The fact that it reduces our import burden. It reduces the unemployment challenge that we have.” Enoh said.
