Nigeria breaks ground with 200mw sub-Saharan Africa’s largest off-grid solar project

By Editor

The Federal Government has launched what it describes as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest off-grid solar project, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward clean energy and industrial development.

The Minister of Power, Chief Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, announced the initiative during the groundbreaking ceremony for a 200-megawatt MW solar mini-grid project in Minna, Niger State.

The project, a partnership between the Federal Government, the Niger State Government and Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of African Industries Group, is designed to power a new industrial park anchored by a modern steel manufacturing plant.

The ceremony was attended by key federal ministers, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and industry leaders, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative.

During the event, Governor Bago formally handed over the 500-hectare project site to Abuja Steel Mills, paving the way for construction of the solar-powered industrial hub.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tegbe described the project as a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to develop clean, reliable and scalable energy solutions outside the national grid. He said the initiative would ensure predictable energy costs for industries, shield manufacturers from fluctuations in grid electricity supply, and provide excess power to neighbouring communities.

According to the minister, integrating renewable energy directly into industrial infrastructure will enable Abuja Steel Mills to generate its own clean electricity at scale, creating a model that positions off-grid power as a catalyst for industrial expansion rather than a backup option.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean energy, distributed power generation and increased private sector investment as drivers of economic growth.

Tegbe further stated that the Federal Government considers the infrastructure supporting the project a national economic priority, adding that the Niger State Government’s provision of land demonstrates the commitment of sub-national governments to promoting private-sector-led renewable energy investments.

He said the development sends a strong signal to domestic and international investors that Nigeria is committed to building its industrial and clean energy future simultaneously through commercially viable, large-scale off-grid projects.

The 200MW solar mini-grid is expected to become a landmark renewable energy project, strengthening industrial productivity while expanding access to cleaner electricity for surrounding communities.