The Niger State Government has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, to collaborate on the development of renewable energy and low carbon solution projects.
This MOU encompasses various sectors, including industrialization, agriculture, solar deployment, and renewable energy. Notable projects include “the establishment of a Greenfield Hydroelectric power project, the creation of solar parks in educational institutions, the provision of home solar systems for 250,000 households, and the establishment of a 500 million-litre Ethanol Plant.”
In addition, extensive agricultural activities are planned, with the cultivation of maize, sugarcane, and sweet sorghum on 100,000 hectares of land in the state. This will result in the production of over 500,000 tons of crops used to fuel the ethanol plant.
The MOU was signed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abu Bakar Usman, representing the State Government, and by the NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, as well as its Managing Director of New Energy Limited, Kanayochukwu Odoe, on behalf of the NNPC. The signing took place at the NNPC’s Abuja Head Office.
Governor Umaru Bago expressed his optimism about the historic MOU, saying the significant benefits it will bring to the people of Niger State. He highlighted the state’s commitment to clean energy and the utilization of its water resources to achieve green energy goals.
Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice President of Gas, Power, and New Energy at NNPC, praised the leadership and commitment of Governor Umaru Bago. He said, “NNPCL will focus on clean energy and its potential to create a green energy economy in collaboration with Niger State.”
Mr. Kanayochukwu Odoe, Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited, described the partnership with Niger State as progressive and a step toward making Nigeria a hub for green energy and a green economy.
The signing of this MOU represents “a significant outcome of the first Green Economy Summit organized by the Niger State Government, showcasing the state’s dedication to maximizing the benefits of green energy for the betterment of all.”
Shakirat Sadiq
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