By Joy Onu
Nigeria has taken a major step toward advancing renewable energy and industrial development with the launch of what is being described as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest off-grid solar project.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Clement Ezeorah, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, said the Federal Government, in partnership with the Niger State Government and Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of African Industries Group, had flagged off a 200-megawatt (MW) solar mini-grid project in Minna, Niger State.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held last weekend, attracted top government officials, industry stakeholders, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.
The project, which will occupy about 500 hectares of land, is designed to power a new industrial park anchored by a modern steel manufacturing plant. During the event, Governor Bago formally handed over the project site to Abuja Steel Mills, paving the way for construction activities to commence.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Power, Chief Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions outside the national grid.
According to him, the project is expected to provide stable and predictable energy for industrial operations while reducing exposure to fluctuations in power supply. He added that surplus electricity generated from the facility would also be supplied to nearby communities.
Tegbe said the project demonstrates a new approach to industrial power generation, with renewable energy integrated directly into production infrastructure.
He noted that Abuja Steel Mills would generate its own clean energy at scale, creating a model that positions off-grid power as a key driver of industrial growth rather than merely an alternative source of electricity.
The minister further stated that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes clean energy development, distributed power generation, and increased private-sector investment in the economy.
He emphasized that the Federal Government considers the supporting infrastructure required for the project a national economic priority, given its potential to stimulate industrialization and economic growth.
Tegbe also commended the Niger State Government for facilitating the initiative through land allocation, describing the move as a strong signal that sub-national governments are willing to support commercially viable renewable energy investments.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the project would strengthen Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources, attract investment, create jobs, and boost industrial productivity.
The solar mini-grid project is expected to serve as a model for future large-scale renewable energy developments, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy and industrial expansion.
