Niger govt secures $150m IsDB loan for $160m solar power project

The Niger State Government has secured a $150 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to finance a $160 million solar power project in the state.

Chairman of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar Bida, disclosed this during the second edition of the quarterly media briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Orientation.

He said the project will cost $160 million, with the Niger State Government providing the remaining $10 million as counterpart funding.

According to Abubakar Bida, the loan was secured following the state government’s effective management of the Minna–Bida Road project.

He disclosed that the solar project will be located in Maikunkele and will include social intervention components designed to improve the lives of residents.

“This project will create direct and indirect jobs and will bring many other benefits,” he said.

Abubakar Bida explained that the NNDP was established under Executive Order 30 of 2023 to support project implementation by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) responsible for executing government projects and to address challenges that could hinder successful implementation.

He added that the agency also ensures compensation issues are handled efficiently through collaboration with relevant stakeholders to guarantee seamless project execution.

The NNDP chairman further revealed that the agency’s personnel were carefully selected from various MDAs to deliver effective service and ensure value for money in project implementation.