An alternative source of electricity will be made available to communities in Niger State through a $163 million solar electrification project funded by the Islamic Development Bank.

The Niger State Solar Electrification Project, known as NGA1063, will cover 200 hectares, according to a statement issued on January 26, 2026, by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The project is expected to enhance economic growth throughout the state, increase agricultural productivity, and advance industrial development.

The $163 million project is anticipated to produce 100 megawatts of solar power, promoting industrial growth and agricultural productivity while providing communities with a dependable electrical source, according to the release.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who welcomed the IsDB preparation team, noted the state’s significant investments in agriculture and emphasized that the solar project would complement these efforts by enhancing food production and driving industrial growth.

He also highlighted the critical role of the IsDB in Niger State’s development, noting that the investment would boost productivity, increase revenue, and help tackle challenges across various sectors.

“The project, which is the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, is to cover 200 hectares of land with a cost of $163m to provide alternative source of power to many communities.

“Farmer Governor Umaru Bago acknowledged the vital roles Islamic Development Bank has played in the State through various intervention projects. The Bank’s decision to build 100megawatts of solar power in the State is a huge investment that will help increase productivity and revenue generation as well as pay for itself,” the statement read in part.

The project would use Niger State's plentiful sunshine to produce electricity, according to IsDB Task Team Lead Daniyar Abylkhan, who also commended the governor's efforts to diversify the state's energy sources.

He also emphasised the Bank's long-standing collaboration with Niger State, pointing out that earlier projects, such the Minna/Bida road reconstruction, had an impact on the Bank's choice to keep funding the state.

Alhaji Usman Abubakar, the Secretary to the State Government, clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to start the IsDB's preparation process, which includes drafting the documents needed for project appraisal and approval as well as discussing the state's plans with stakeholders.

Citing its complementary power-generating sites, project consultants Mohammed Mahdi Abubakar and Umar Faruk Batagarawa emphasised Niger State's strategic advantage for solar energy.

Along with the state's current 2,000 megawatt contribution, the new solar effort will assist stabilise the national grid, they said, stressing that community involvement and comprehensive environmental and social impact evaluations are crucial for its implementation.

Following the World Bank's approval of $50 million to expand solar-powered agricultural solutions in Nigeria and five other African countries, the Niger State Government has partnered with the Islamic Development Bank in an effort to increase access to clean energy, boost productivity, and lower post-harvest losses.