Niger State Government Transfers 500 Hectares of Land to Abuja Steel Mills Ltd for Solar Farm and Industrial Park.
Niger State governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, officially handed over 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Ltd for the development of a solar farm and industrial park in Diko, Gurara Local Government Area.
During the groundbreaking ceremony in Diko, the farmer-governor described the project as a milestone that will reshape the state’s industrial landscape and generate more opportunities for residents. He stressed that the initiative also demonstrates his strong commitment to transforming Niger into a leading investment destination for sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that the project signifies that the vision of building a new Niger is becoming a reality. The governor praised Abuja Steel Mills Limited’s management for their confidence in investing in Niger, reflecting the state’s economic potential and its readiness to support responsible and productive investments.
Additionally, the governor announced plans to declare and gazette 200,000 hectares of land from the Diko community to Tafa, along the Kaduna border, for industrial development.
Governor Bago stated that this move aims to position Niger as a hub for industrialization, leveraging local gas resources from the AKK pipeline and the state’s vast land to promote industrial growth.
Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi, commended Governor Bago’s industrial leadership for allocating land for a solar farm, noting that attracting private investment is one of a governor’s most important legacies.
He added that Niger’s strategic location at Nigeria’s confluence positions it to play a significant role in the country’s economic ambitions.
Minister of Steel, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, praised the governor’s developmental efforts, especially in agriculture, describing them as unprecedented. He also acknowledged Abuja Steel Mills Limited for contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development by establishing one of the largest solar power grids in Nigeria and West Africa.
Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, expressed appreciation for the governor’s vision and determination, urging closer cooperation among government entities to achieve developmental goals.
Raj Gupta, Chairman of Africa Industry Group, stated that Niger State’s government has proven to be a reliable partner for investment, emphasizing that investments involve not just job creation but also corporate social responsibility that benefits local communities. He assured that the company will uphold this commitment.
The 500 hectares transferred to Abuja Steel Mills Ltd will be used for a solar farm and an industrial park, expanding the steel mill with additional manufacturing units and power supply for operations and the local community.
