Niger State Hands Over 500 Hectares to Abuja Steel Mills for Solar Farm, Industrial Park

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has officially handed over 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for the development of a solar farm and industrial park in Diko, Gurara Local Government Area of the state.

The project, which was formally launched during a groundbreaking ceremony in Diko, is expected to boost industrialisation, expand power supply, and create employment opportunities for residents.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the initiative as a landmark project that will transform the state’s industrial landscape and unlock new economic opportunities for its people.

According to the governor, the project underscores his administration’s commitment to positioning Niger State as a preferred destination for investment and sustainable economic growth.

“This initiative is a clear indication that our vision of building a new Niger State is becoming a reality,” Bago said, while commending Abuja Steel Mills Limited for its confidence in the state’s economic potential and investment-friendly environment.

The governor also disclosed plans by the state government to declare and gazette 200,000 hectares of land stretching from Diko to Tafa, along the Kaduna State border, for future industrial development.

He explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to transform Niger State into a major industrial hub by leveraging the opportunities presented by the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the state’s vast land resources.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, praised Governor Bago for what he described as “industrial statesmanship,” noting that allocating land for a solar farm of such magnitude demonstrates visionary leadership.

He stressed that one of the most significant legacies of any governor is the ability to attract private sector investment capable of driving economic growth and development.

“Niger State sits at the confluence of Nigeria’s geography, and under Governor Bago’s leadership, it is increasingly becoming the confluence of Nigeria’s economic ambition,” the minister said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended the governor’s achievements, particularly in the agricultural sector, describing them as unprecedented.

He further lauded Abuja Steel Mills Limited for its contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through plans to establish one of the largest solar power facilities in Nigeria and West Africa.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, also applauded Governor Bago’s foresight and commitment to national development, while calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions to accelerate economic growth.

Chairman of Africa Industries Group, Raj Gupta, described the Niger State Government as a reliable investment partner. He noted that beyond job creation, the company remains committed to impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives that will benefit host communities.

The 500-hectare site allocated to Abuja Steel Mills Limited will accommodate a solar farm and industrial park, serving as an expansion of the company’s existing operations. The project is expected to include additional manufacturing facilities and improved power supply for both industrial activities and surrounding communities.