Niger State Governor and Power Minister Inspect Sub-Saharan Africa’s Largest Solar Farm Project (+Video)

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, have officially inspected the site of what is set to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest solar farm, following a formal groundbreaking and land handover ceremony in the state.

The project, situated in the Sabon Wuse area of Tafa Local Government, involves the allocation of 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for the development of a massive solar farm and an associated industrial park.

During the inspection, Governor Bago described the event as a declaration of his administration’s commitment to transforming Niger State into a leading investment destination. “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,” he stated.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, was present to inspect the project and lauded the governor’s initiative.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to overhauling the power sector to drive industrialisation, noting that investments like this create a lasting legacy.

The solar farm is a key component of a larger industrial strategy, designed to power a major steel plant and manufacturing hub.

The Chairman of the African Industries Group, Raj Gupta, confirmed the project’s significance, saying it “will be the largest solar power installation in the country and with this, we would perhaps be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa”.

At the heart of the development is a 200MW solar mini-grid, intended to operate off the national grid to ensure reliable power for industrial operations.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost local manufacturing capacity.