By Gabriel Ewepu

DIKKO – THE Government of Niger State has officially handed over 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited along with ground breaking ceremony for Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park.

The official handing over of the 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mill Limited and ground breaking ceremony for Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park was done by the Governor of Niger State, Dr Mohammed Bago, in Dikko, Tafa Local Government of Niger State on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the event had the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Ewan, the Group Chairman, Africa Industries Group, Raj Gupta, and other dignitaries in attendance.

The Governor described the project as “the beginning of a landmark project that will reshape our industrial landscape and expand opportunities for our people.”

He also said, “What we are witnessing is more than a ceremony, but is a clear declaration of our unwavering commitment to transforming Niger state into a leading investment destination of choice for sustainable economic growth. It is an indication that our vision of building a new Niger is not only a promise, it is steadily becoming a reality.

“And this is going to open up industrialization here, taking advantage of our gas resources that come from the AKK pipeline, and also our vast land for the development of solar power. Niger state is a host of four hydropower dams, Kainji, Jeba, Zuingeru, and Shiroro. That again, in addition, is one of the advantages we have.

“I therefore commend the management of Abuja Steel Mill Limited for their confidence in Niger state and for choosing to invest in this vision. Your decision reflects in the economic potential of the state and readiness of our administration to support responsible and productive investment.”

Meanwhile, the Governor, urged the Dikko Community to “see this project as a catalyst that would open the community and Niger state as a whole, as an industrial destination for investors. I request that you support this project and protect it as a collective asset.”

Earlier, in his remarks, the Group Chairman, African Industries Group, Raj Gupta, said the 500 hectares given to Abuja Steel Mill Limited is “historic” and that “it’s not just an opportunity to build industry, create jobs but really for me its main purpose is development and upliftment and empowerment of people.”

According to him, “the project will be the largest, we already currently have the largest solar power installation in the country and with this we would perhaps be the largest in sub-saharan Africa and that puts Nigeria not only on the world steel map but also on the world’s renewable energy map.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe commended Governor Bago for his industrial statesmanship by handing over 500 hectares of land to the company will drive unprecedented economic development in Niger State, and it is a lasting legacy the Governor is leaving behind for the people of the state as it would attract massive investments into the State in a short while.

Also the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar commended the Governor for his vision by handing over such a massive expanse of land to the company, therefore expressed optimism that it will revolutionize industrialisation in the State.