Niger State Secures $163m Solar Deal with Islamic Development Bank

Niger State has partnered with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to launch the Niger Solar Electrification Project, a groundbreaking $163 million initiative set to deliver a 100 MW solar power facility—the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spanning 200 hectares, the project will harness the state’s abundant sunlight to generate clean, reliable electricity, providing an alternative energy source for underserved communities while supporting agriculture, industrialization, and broader economic growth. Governor Umaru Bago emphasized that the investment will boost productivity, enhance revenue generation, and ultimately become self-sustaining, complementing Niger State’s existing power contributions to Nigeria’s national grid (which includes around 2,000 MW from other sources).

During a recent meeting with the IsDB preparation mission team for the project (codenamed NGA1063), Governor Bago commended the bank’s longstanding support, including previous interventions such as the Minna–Bida Road reconstruction. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining all projects and maximizing its renewable energy potential.

IsDB Task Team Lead Daniyar Abylkhan highlighted the partnership’s foundation in successful past collaborations and praised the governor’s vision for energy diversification to meet community needs. State officials, including Secretary to the Government Alhaji Usman Abubakar, noted that the engagement marks the start of project preparation, including stakeholder reviews, appraisal documentation, and environmental and social impact assessments.

Consultants underscored Niger State’s strategic advantages, including complementary power sites for grid stability, and stressed the importance of community engagement to secure public support and ensure sustainable implementation.

This landmark agreement reinforces Niger State’s position as a leader in renewable energy adoption in Nigeria and across the region, advancing clean power access and multi-sectoral development.