Nigeria Launches Sub-Saharan Africa's Biggest Off-Grid Solar Project

 

"The 200-megawatt solar mini-grid project, located in Minna, Niger State, will power a new industrial park anchored by a modern steel plant being developed by Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of African Industries Group." Tegbe

.... Says "the project represents a new model in which industries generate their own clean energy at scale, positioning off-grid renewable power as a catalyst for economic growth rather than merely an alternative source of electricity.

.... The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean energy, distributed power generation and increased private-sector participation in economic development.

Nigeria has taken a major step towards accelerating industrialization and expanding clean energy generation with the groundbreaking of what is being described as Sub-Saharan Africa's largest off-grid solar project.

The 200-megawatt solar mini-grid project, located in Minna, Niger State, will power a new industrial park anchored by a modern steel plant being developed by Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of African Industries Group.

The landmark initiative is a collaboration between the Federal Government, the Niger State Government and Abuja Steel Mills, underscoring a growing partnership between the public and private sectors to drive industrial development through renewable energy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Power, Chief Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, described the project as a strategic investment that would provide clean, reliable and scalable electricity outside the national grid while supporting Nigeria's industrial transformation agenda.

According to him, the project is designed to guarantee predictable energy costs for industries, shield manufacturers from fluctuations in grid supply and make excess electricity available to neighbouring communities.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago formally handed over the 500-hectare project site to Abuja Steel Mills, reaffirming Niger State's commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment in renewable energy and industrial development.

Tegbe said the project represents a new model in which industries generate their own clean energy at scale, positioning off-grid renewable power as a catalyst for economic growth rather than merely an alternative source of electricity.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean energy, distributed power generation and increased private-sector participation in economic development.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government considers the project's infrastructure needs a national economic priority, adding that the collaboration with the Niger State Government sends a strong signal to investors that Nigeria is committed to supporting commercially viable renewable energy projects.

He added that beyond powering a steel plant, the project demonstrates Nigeria's determination to build its clean energy future alongside industrial expansion, positioning the country as a leading destination for sustainable investment in Africa.