Rural communities in Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, have expressed optimism over the proposed 100-megawatt solar power project being developed by the Niger State Government in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
The project, which will cover communities including Dama, Mararaba, Gusase, Jimbuipi and neighbouring villages, is expected to boost electricity supply, stimulate agricultural activities and drive socio-economic development across the area.
The development came to the fore during a stakeholders and community engagement meeting organised by the International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), with support from the New Niger Development Project and the Bosso Local Government Council.
The meeting, held at the Bosso Local Government Secretariat, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of the state government, project coordinators, consultants and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed project and its anticipated impact on host communities.
Speaking at the engagement, a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Human Rights Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Awaisu Wanna, assured residents that the organisation would continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure that the concerns and interests of affected communities were adequately addressed.
Wanna explained that the IHRC-RFT initiated the dialogue after noticing protests and concerns raised by some residents on social media over fears that the project could be implemented without adequate consideration for the welfare and needs of the host communities.
He said the engagement was designed to clarify issues surrounding the project, allay fears and create a platform for constructive dialogue among the communities, government and other stakeholders.
Wanna urged residents to see the solar project as an opportunity to attract development to their communities rather than a threat to their livelihoods.
He particularly appealed to youths in Gusase to remain calm and support the project, noting that its successful implementation could generate significant economic and social benefits for the area.
“There is no need to protest against the project when it is capable of bringing development closer to the people. What is important is for the communities to engage with the government and the relevant authorities to ensure that their legitimate concerns are addressed,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the New Niger Development Commission (NNDC), Alhaji Mustapha Bida, said the proposed solar project was an initiative of the Islamic Development Bank primarily designed to support agricultural development and strengthen economic activities in the benefiting communities.
Bida disclosed that the IsDB had made provisions for essential infrastructure and social amenities to complement the project and improve the living conditions of residents.
He listed the proposed interventions to include boreholes, healthcare facilities, schools and other amenities aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of the host communities.
According to him, the provision of the facilities forms part of the development component of the project and reflects the commitment of the Islamic Development Bank to ensuring that communities hosting the investment derive tangible benefits from it.
He added that the New Niger Development Commission would play a supervisory role in the implementation of the project, particularly in ensuring that the interests of the benefiting communities were adequately protected.
Bida further assured youths and other stakeholders that the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, remained committed to extending development to rural communities across the state.
He said the location of the solar project in Maikunkele was in line with the government’s efforts to expand infrastructure, promote agricultural development and improve access to electricity in rural areas.
The stakeholders, while expressing support for the project, called for sustained consultation and dialogue throughout its implementation, stressing the need for host communities to be adequately carried along.
The proposed 100MW solar project is expected to strengthen electricity generation in the area while supporting agriculture and other economic activities, with residents hopeful that the investment will usher in a new phase of development for the benefiting rural communities.
