The Niger State Government has inaugurated a 12-member Project Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the state’s 100-megawatt solar energy development project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, was inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Minna.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Bago described the project as a historic milestone, saying it would become the first 100-megawatt sub-national off-grid solar power plant in the country.

He said the project was a source of pride for Niger State and urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities effectively to ensure its successful implementation.

The governor commended the New Niger Development Project for its role in facilitating the initiative, particularly the plan to construct a mini-grid as part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

He also praised the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar, and his team for their efforts towards advancing the project, which he described as critical to the state’s development.

Governor Bago reiterated his administration’s commitment to renewable energy, stressing that Niger State was determined to play a leading role in driving clean and renewable energy development in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the inauguration followed the governor’s approval of the project’s implementation structure.

He explained that the state had fulfilled the necessary requirements at both international and national levels, paving the way for the approval of the Islamic Development Bank-funded project.

According to him, the 100-megawatt renewable energy facility will be located at Makunkele in Bosso Local Government Area.

The SSG described the project as a landmark investment with far-reaching benefits for the state, assuring that the committee would ensure effective coordination, compliance with project agreements and the removal of bottlenecks that could hinder implementation.

The committee comprises the SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, as Chairman; Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar, as Alternate Chairman; and the Chairman of the New Niger Development Project, Mustapha Bida, as Secretary and Member.

Other members are the Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Maikano; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo; Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Ahmed Agwara; Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Mu’azu; Commissioner for Youth, Jacob Baba Yisa; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta.

The Permanent Secretaries of the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Debt Management Office are also members of the committee.