Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mohammed Bago, has officially handed over 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for the development of a large-scale Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park, a move expected to accelerate industrialisation, attract investments, and create thousands of jobs in the state.
The handover took place during a groundbreaking ceremony held in Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area, where government officials, investors, and industry stakeholders gathered to mark the commencement of the project.
Bago: Project Will Transform Niger State’s Economy
Speaking at the event, Governor Bago described the initiative as a landmark investment that would significantly reshape the economic and industrial landscape of Niger State.
According to him, the project reflects the state’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for investment and sustainable economic growth.
“What we are witnessing today is more than a ceremony. It is a clear declaration of our commitment to transforming Niger State into a preferred investment destination and building a New Niger that delivers opportunities for our people,” Bago said.
The governor noted that the project would leverage the state’s strategic advantages, including access to gas resources from the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline, vast land resources, and existing power infrastructure.
He highlighted Niger State’s status as home to four major hydropower stations—Kainji, Jebba, Zungeru, and Shiroro Dams—which provide a strong foundation for industrial expansion and renewable energy development.
Bago also commended the management of Abuja Steel Mills and its parent company, African Industries Group (AIG), for choosing Niger State as the location for the ambitious project.
AIG Chairman Describes Land Allocation as Historic
The Group Chairman of African Industries Group, Raj Gupta, described the allocation of 500 hectares as a historic milestone that goes beyond industrial development.
According to Gupta, the project is designed to drive economic empowerment, community development, and employment generation.
“This is not just an opportunity to build industries and create jobs. It is about development, upliftment, and empowering people,” he stated.
He revealed that the proposed solar farm is expected to become the largest solar power installation in Sub-Saharan Africa, further positioning Nigeria as a major player in renewable energy and steel production.
“This project will put Nigeria not only on the global steel map but also on the renewable energy map,” Gupta added.
Power Minister Hails Bago’s Industrial Vision
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, praised Governor Bago for demonstrating what he described as “industrial statesmanship” through the allocation of land for the project.
Tegbe said the initiative would serve as a lasting legacy by attracting significant private-sector investments and stimulating economic activities in Niger State.
“The most enduring legacy of governance is not just physical infrastructure but the industries, investments, and jobs created through strategic decisions,” he said.
The minister assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing challenges within the power sector to support industrial growth nationwide.
Steel Development Minister Applauds Investment
Also speaking, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar, commended the governor’s foresight in making the land available for industrial use.
He praised Raj Gupta for transforming African Industries Group into one of the largest steel manufacturers in Nigeria and West Africa.
According to him, the company has grown from a small enterprise into a major industrial player employing over 10,000 workers and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s steel sector.
Abubakar expressed confidence that the solar farm and industrial park would revolutionise industrial development in Niger State while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic growth agenda.
Project Expected to Boost Jobs and Productivity
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, described the project as a major catalyst for industrialisation and productivity.
He noted that the planned solar farm and industrial park would create new employment opportunities, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial products, and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.
“The missing link in our economy is productivity. Projects like this create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and reduce the nation’s import burden,” Enoh said.
The minister added that collaboration between government and private investors remains essential to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and driving sustainable development.
Industrial Hub Set to Drive Economic Growth
The 500-hectare allocation is expected to pave the way for the establishment of one of Nigeria’s largest renewable energy and industrial infrastructure projects.
Stakeholders believe the development will attract additional investments into Niger State, expand manufacturing activities, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in both the steel and renewable energy sectors.
With construction activities set to commence, the Solar Farm and AIG Industrial Park are projected to become key drivers of industrial transformation and economic growth in the North-Central region and across Nigeria.
