The Government of Nigeria's Niger State has allocated 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills, a subsidiary of African Industries Group, for the development of a solar power plant and an integrated industrial park. Under the project, which was officially launched with a land handover and groundbreaking ceremony, a solar-powered integrated steel production facility will be established.
According to Raj Gupta, Chairman of African Industries Group, the project will be one of the largest solar-powered industrial and steel production investments not only in Nigeria but also in sub-Saharan Africa. Gupta stated that the investment will strengthen Nigeria's position on the global steel and renewable energy map.
The facility will be powered entirely by a 200 MW solar-powered mini-grid to be developed by the company and will be designed to operate independently of the national electricity grid. The project aims to reduce energy costs, ensure an uninterrupted power supply for production, and increase the use of renewable energy in heavy industry.
Nigeria's Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated that the project will support the country's industrialization goals and accelerate private sector investment, while Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu said the investment will make a significant contribution to the steel industry in line with President Bola Tinubu's objective of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Mohammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, stated that the allocation of 500 hectares of land will strengthen the state's industrial infrastructure and enhance its ability to attract investment. He also announced plans to make an additional 200,000 hectares available for sustainable industrial investments in the future.
African Industries Group, which has been operating in Nigeria for approximately 50 years, is one of the country's largest steel producers. Through the new investment, the group aims to expand its operations by supporting its steel production capacity with renewable energy infrastructure.
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