The Islamic Development Bank will finance a $163 million solar electrification initiative in Niger State, providing communities with an alternative source of electricity.

According to a statement released on 26 January 2026 by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the Niger State Solar Electrification Project, designated NGA1063, will span 200 hectares.

The project is set to boost industrial development, improve agricultural output, and stimulate economic growth across the state.

According to the statement, the $163 million project is expected to generate 100 megawatts of solar power, delivering a reliable electricity supply to communities while supporting industrial expansion and agricultural productivity.

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 IsDB Task Team Lead, Daniyar Abylkhan, stated that the project will harness Niger State’s abundant sunlight to generate electricity and praised the Governor’s efforts to diversify the state’s energy sources.

He also underscored the Bank’s long-standing partnership with Niger State, noting that previous initiatives, such as the reconstruction of the Minna/Bida road, influenced its decision to continue investing in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, explained that the meeting was held to commence the IsDB’s preparation process, which includes reviewing the state’s plans with stakeholders and preparing the documentation required for project appraisal and approval.

Project consultants Umar Faruk Batagarawa and Mohammed Mahdi Abubakar highlighted Niger State’s strategic advantage for solar energy, citing its complementary power-generating sites.

They noted that the new solar initiative will help stabilize the national grid alongside the state’s existing 2,000-megawatt contribution, emphasizing that community engagement and thorough environmental and social impact assessments are essential for successful implementation.

The Niger State Government’s collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank follows the World Bank’s approval of $50 million to expand solar-powered agricultural solutions in Nigeria and five other African countries, a move aimed at boosting productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing access to clean energy.