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.

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These houses, intended as temporary shelters for families uprooted by banditry, will be constructed in three key locations: Alawa, Kuribi, and Erena, with each location hosting 1,000 homes.

The announcement came during Governor Bago’s project inspection tour in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area. He emphasized that the state’s IDP camps, which have been home to displaced families living in makeshift conditions, would soon be shut down as part of this comprehensive effort to improve their living standards. The construction of these homes, he explained, will commence on free land allocated by the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Bahago, ensuring swift implementation of the project.

To expedite the construction, the state government has already ordered specialized block-molding equipment from South Africa. Governor Bago stressed that this initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to tackling the challenges faced by displaced families and restoring dignity to their lives.

While these homes will serve as temporary settlements, the governor reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to address the security concerns preventing people from returning to their ancestral villages. He also expressed concern over the state of education in bandit-affected areas, pledging to rehabilitate public schools and equip them with modern teaching and learning tools.

In addition to the housing project, Governor Bago unveiled plans for new infrastructure, including roads connecting Mararaban Dan Daudu to Gwada and Gwada to Kuta. He also announced the development of a modern market and the construction of a general hospital in Gwada to serve the community’s growing needs.

Community leaders and representatives were quick to applaud the governor’s efforts. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, assured residents that all ongoing projects in the area would be completed. Professor James Galadima, speaking on behalf of the Gwada community, expressed gratitude for the governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in rural areas.

Governor Bago urged residents to remain patient and cooperative as the government works to address both immediate and long-term challenges. His ambitious plan for housing and infrastructure, coupled with efforts to combat insecurity, signals a brighter future for thousands of displaced families and a renewed commitment to development in Niger State.

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