Niger State Launches $160M Solar Power Plant Project

On Wednesday, the Niger state government commenced the construction of a 100 megawatts solar power plant aimed at improving the state's energy infrastructure and electricity supply. Mustapha Abubakar, chairman of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), announced during a quarterly media briefing in Minna that the state has secured a $150 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to finance this project.

Additionally, the Niger state government will contribute $10 million, bringing the total investment to $160 million. Abubakar credited the successful approval of the financing to the state government's effective management of the Minna-Bida Road project, which he stated is recognized as the best-managed project in the IsDB portfolio.

He emphasized that the strong implementation record of this road project enhanced Niger state's credibility with the Islamic Development Bank, facilitating the loan acquisition for the solar power initiative.