By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna
The Niger State Government has secured 150 million United States Dollars (USD) financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the development of a major solar power project aimed at boosting energy supply, creating jobs and improving livelihoods across the state.
Chairman of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar Bida, disclosed this during the second edition of the quarterly media briefing organised by the Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation in Minna.
He explained that the solar project is estimated to cost 160 million USD, with the Niger State Government providing 10 million USD as counterpart funding, while the IsDB will finance the remaining 150 million USD.
According to him, the loan was secured due to the state government’s effective management and successful implementation of the Minna-Bida Road Project, which earned the confidence of the Islamic Development Bank.
Abubakar Bida said the solar power project will be located in Maikunkele and is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits to residents through various intervention programmes embedded in the initiative.
He noted that the project would stimulate economic activities by creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities while expanding access to clean and sustainable energy.
“This project will create direct and indirect jobs and will bring many other benefits,” he stated.
The NNDP chairman explained that the New Niger Development Project was established under Executive Order 30 of 2023 to strengthen project implementation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), bridge implementation gaps and ensure successful execution of development projects in the state.
He added that the agency also coordinates compensation processes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery and minimise delays associated with land acquisition and other project-related issues.
Abubakar Bida further disclosed that personnel of the NNDP were carefully selected from various MDAs to provide the technical expertise required for efficient project implementation and to ensure value for money in the execution of government projects.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure and development initiatives that will improve the quality of life of the people while attracting further investments into Niger State.
