Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has officially handed over 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Ltd for the establishment of a Solar farm and Industrial park in Diko,Gurara local government area of the state
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim said at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Diko, the farmer governor who described the project as a beginning of a landmark project that will reshape the State’s industrial landscape and expand opportunities for the people said the initiative is also a declaring of his unwavering commitment to transforming Niger State into a leading investment destination of choice for sustainable economic growth.
He identified the project as an indication that the vision of building a new Niger is turning into a reality and commended management of Abuja steel mills limited for its confidence to invest in Niger State as their decision reflects on the economic potentials of the State and readiness of the State government to support responsible and productive investment.
The farmer governor also revealed that the State government will declare and gazette 200,000 hectares of land from Diko community to Tafa, on the axis bordering Kaduna State for the establishment of industries.
Farmer governor Bago said the move is aimed at making Niger State a hub for industrialization as the State intends to take advantage of the gas resources from AKK pipeline and vast land of the State to open it up for industrialization.
Minister of power, Joseph Olasunkanmi commended farmer governor Umaru Bago for his act of industrial statesmanship as his decision to allocate land for the establishment of a solar farm is not a small feat, pointing out that, the most consequential legacy of a governor is the kind of private investment he is able to attract.
He said, Niger State sits at the confluence of Nigeria’s geography and under the leadership of the farmer governor, the State is beginning to sit at the confluence of Nigeria’s economic ambition
Minister of Steel, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu commended the developmental strides of the farmer governor especially in the agricultural sector describing it as unprecedented even as he acknowledged Abuja steel mills limited for contributing to the socio economic growth of Nigeria by setting up one of the largest solar power grid in Nigeria and west Africa.
Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh in his own remarks appreciated the farmer governor for his foresight and determination in contributing to the nation’s growth and used the forum to call for synergy between various aspects of government in order to achieve the desired goal of developmental growth.
Chairman, Africa Industry Group, Raj Gupta in his remarks said, Niger State government has proven to be worthy partners of investment adding that investment is not just about creating job opportunities alone but the ability to engage in corporate social responsibilities that will benefit the host community and reassured that the company will live up to its promise in that regard.
The 500 hectares of land handed over to Abuja steel Mills Ltd is expected to be used for the establishment of a Solar farm and Industrial park that will serve as an expansion of the Abuja steel mills with additional manufacturing units and power supply to its operation and host community.
