BAGO INAUGURATES PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE FOR NIGER STATE SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

The Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Project Steering Committee for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project.

In a statement by the Chief press secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the 12-member Committee which is to be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman was inaugurated at the Council Chamber, Government House Minna.

The inauguration is sequel to the approval of the Governor of the project committee of the Islamic Development Bank (ISDb) funded 100 megawatt solar energy development project secured by the State government.

Gov Umaru Bago described the development as historical as it will be the first ever 100 megawatt subnational off-grid solar plant adding that, it is a pride for the State.

Bago urged the committee members to ensure that they carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He commended the New Niger Development Project for its efforts in facilitating the project and the inititiative of constructing a mini grid.

The Governor also commended the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar and his team for their frantic efforts in the implementation of the project he described as very critical.

Umaru Bago reiterated his administration’s commitment to renewable energy and is poised at driving and leading the country in clean and renewable energy.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the committee, Alh. Abubakar Usman said the constitution of the steering committee followed the Governor’s earlier approval of the project’s implementation structure.

He explained that the state had successfully met the necessary requirements at both the international and national levels, leading to the approval of the Islamic Development Bank-funded project.

The SSG disclosed that the project would provide 100 megawatt of renewable energy, adding that the facility would be situated at Makunkele, in Bosso Local Government Area.

He described the project as a landmark investment that would have far-reaching benefits for the state, assured that the committee would ensure effective coordination and compliance with project agreements and the removal of implementation bottlenecks.

The Project Steering Committee has the SSG Abubakar Usman as Chairman, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar as Alternate Chairman and Chairman New Niger Development Project, Mustapha Bida as Secretary and Member.

Other members who constitute the Committee are Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Maikano, Commissioner for Budget and Planning Mustapha Ndajiwo, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Ahmed Agwara, Commissioner for Justice Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Youth Jacob Baba Yisa, Commissioner for Women Affairs Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta as well as the Permanent Secretaries of the Bureau of Public Procurement and that of Debt Management Office.