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The Niger state governor Farmer Dr Umaru Bago has officially handed over 500 Hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park.
Speaking during the groundbreaking and handover ceremony,on Saturday in Sabon Wuse,Tafa Local Government, governor Mohammed Bago said the project would accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and position the state as a major investment destination.
The governor described the project as a landmark investment that would reshape the state’s industrial landscape and expand economic opportunities for residents.
“This event marks the beginning of a landmark project that will reshape our industrial landscape and expand opportunities for our people. What we are witnessing is more than a ceremony; it is a clear declaration of our unwavering commitment to transforming Niger State into a leading investment destination for sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The governor said the company had agreed to redesign and reconstruct a road around the project site following concerns raised by members of the host community, adding that the state government had approved the proposal and would work with the company to implement it.
He further disclosed that the state planned to gazette 200,000 hectares of land stretching towards the Kaduna State boundary for industrial development, leveraging the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, solar energy potential and existing hydropower infrastructure.
“We have declared as a state, and we are going to gazette, 200,000 hectares of land from here to our boundary with Kaduna State. This is going to open up industrialisation here, taking advantage of our gas resources from the AKK pipeline and our vast land for solar power development,” he said.
Bago assured the host community that their concerns had been addressed and urged residents to support the project, while directing the company to prioritise local employment and fulfil its corporate social responsibility commitments.
“We want employment in this industry to have more people from this community than any other community. We also expect the company to remain committed to all agreed terms with the host communities,” he added.
Chairman of African Industries Group (AIG), Mr Raj Gupta, described the allocation of the land as a significant milestone that would drive industrial growth and improve livelihoods.
According to him, the project is aimed not only at expanding industrial activities but also at empowering people and creating long-term opportunities for future generations.
“For us, this historic day is not just an opportunity to build industry and create jobs. Its main purpose is development, upliftment and empowerment of people. If a company grows and the people do not grow, then we are failing future generations,” Gupta said.
He said the project would host what could become the largest solar power installation in Sub-Saharan Africa, further strengthening Nigeria’s position in both steel production and renewable energy.
“The 500 Hectares of Land by the Government of Niger State to Abuja Steel Mills Limited is for Solar Farm and the AIG Industrial Park.
“This project will perhaps be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and will place Nigeria not only on the world steel map but also on the global renewable energy map,” he said.
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, commended the Niger State Government for allocating the land and praised Bago’s efforts at transforming the state through infrastructure and agricultural development.
He described African Industries Group as a major contributor to Nigeria’s industrial growth, noting that the company had evolved from a small operation into the largest steel producer in West Africa.
“The level of development witnessed under Governor Bago, particularly in agriculture, is unprecedented in the history of Niger State. We appreciate him for allocating 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills,” Audu said.
He added that the group’s investments had contributed significantly to economic growth and aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of expanding Nigeria’s economy.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the land allocation as an act of “industrial statesmanship,” saying it demonstrated the state’s commitment to attracting private investment and creating lasting economic opportunities.
According to him, the most enduring legacy of governance is not limited to physical infrastructure but includes the industries, investments and jobs created through strategic decisions.
“The most consequential legacy is the economic activity that government catalyses, the private investments it attracts and the jobs that are created long after it leaves office. Five hundred hectares of land transferred in good faith to a credible private investor is precisely that kind of legacy,” he said.
Tegbe also assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the power sector to support industrial growth and ensure the success of major investments across the country.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, stressed the need for closer collaboration among the ministries responsible for power, steel development and industry.
“There should be synergy between the ministries of power, steel development and industry, as these three sectors must work together for the betterment of the economy,” Enoh said.
