By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Jigawa State Government has signed a joint venture agreement valued at over $5 million with Tesni Energy Nigeria Limited and Leda GreenPower Energy Engineering Company of Beijing for the establishment of a 100-megawatt-per-annum solar panel assembly factory in the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, held at Government House,Dutse on Friday Governor Malam Umar Namadi described the project as a strategic investment that aligns with the state’s long-term development agenda. He said the factory would not only serve commercial purposes but also support the state’s broader plan to develop a 100-megawatt solar power generation facility.
According to the governor, the plant will assemble solar panels and also produce related components such as solar-powered irrigation pumps and other associated products. He noted that the project is expected to significantly reduce the cost of deploying solar energy in the state and beyond.
“This is a very significant investment that will positively impact the economy of Jigawa State. It will create employment opportunities, stimulate local industries, and attract further investments,” Namadi said.
He assured investors of the government’s full commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
Earlier, the Team Lead of Tesni/Leda GreenPower Company, Engr. Bashir Ishak, described the project as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria and among the first in the country in terms of the technology to be deployed. He disclosed that the factory will produce up to 100 megawatts of solar panels annually, positioning Jigawa as a hub for local solar panel production.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Surajo Musa, said the project aligns with ongoing power sector reforms by the Federal Government, which allow states to actively participate in electricity generation and related infrastructure.
He noted that Jigawa is among the first states in Northern Nigeria to domesticate the Electricity Act and establish a municipal power framework.
