The Islamic Development Bank and the Niger State of Nigeria will collaborate on a $163 million solar energy project.

Officials said that the Niger State Government of Nigeria will collaborate with 'the Islamic Development Bank' to develop a $163million solar electrification project to increase power supply, support agriculture and industry.

The project involves the construction of a solar power plant of 100 megawatts in the?north central Nigeria, on approximately 200 hectares. This will provide electricity to several communities throughout the state.

Governor?Umaru Mohammad Bago said that the project would complement state agricultural investments by improving access to reliable electricity?for food production and agroprocessing. He also added that it would boost industrial activity as well as revenue generation.

Daniyar Abylkhan is the leader of the Task Team at the Development Bank. He said that the bank would 'leverage Niger State's abundant sunshine to support clean energy production and deepen its long-standing partnership with the State.

Usman Abubakar, Secretary of the State Government, said that the meeting marked a new phase in the preparation process for the bank’s projects, which includes the technical, environmental, and social assessments necessary for final approval and funding.

No one from the government has given any indication as to when the project will be operational. (Written by Chijioke Ahuocha, edited by Barbara Lewis.

(source: Reuters)