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FG, Niger Launch Nigeria’s Biggest Solar-Powered Industrial Park in Landmark Energy Shift
FG, Niger Launch Nigeria’s Biggest Solar-Powered Industrial Park in Landmark Energy Shift
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s push to combine industrialisation with clean energy gathered momentum at the weekend as the Federal Government and the Niger State Government broke ground for what is set to become the country’s largest solar-powered industrial project and the biggest embedded renewable energy installation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project, spearheaded by Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of the African Industries Group, will be powered by a dedicated 200-megawatt solar mini-grid designed to supply electricity to a sprawling industrial park and integrated steel manufacturing complex in Niger State.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu; Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; and top executives of the African Industries Group.
In a move underscoring the state’s commitment to the project, the Niger State Government formally handed over 500 hectares of land for the development of the industrial park and its supporting infrastructure.
Unlike traditional manufacturing facilities that depend largely on electricity supplied through the national grid, the Abuja Steel Mills project is designed to operate entirely on self-generated renewable energy, making it one of the continent’s most ambitious experiments in clean-powered heavy industry.
Officials described the off-grid approach as a deliberate business and industrial strategy aimed at guaranteeing reliable power supply, reducing production costs and insulating operations from the chronic electricity shortages that have constrained Nigeria’s manufacturing sector for decades.
The project is also being positioned as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand electricity access, encourage private investment in energy infrastructure and accelerate industrial growth through innovative power solutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, government officials said the project demonstrates that renewable energy can move beyond powering homes and small businesses to supporting large-scale, energy-intensive industries such as steel manufacturing.
They noted that embedded generation, where industrial facilities produce electricity for their own use, offers manufacturers greater predictability, operational efficiency and long-term cost savings while reducing pressure on the national grid.
The development comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s power sector. Despite having an installed electricity generation capacity of over 13,000 megawatts, the country has struggled for years to deliver stable electricity supply, with actual generation frequently falling below demand due to infrastructure deficits, transmission constraints and gas supply challenges.
The unreliable electricity supply has significantly increased production costs for industries, many of which rely heavily on diesel-powered generators to sustain operations.
Successive administrations have therefore increasingly turned to renewable energy and decentralized electricity systems as part of broader efforts to improve energy access and drive economic growth.
Nigeria’s energy transition plan targets achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix. The Federal Government has also promoted mini-grid development, embedded generation and private sector participation as key pillars for expanding power supply and unlocking economic opportunities.
Analysts say the Abuja Steel Mills project could serve as a template for future industrial developments, demonstrating that large manufacturers can successfully deploy dedicated renewable energy systems at commercial scale.
Beyond its implications for the steel industry, the project is expected to stimulate economic activities in Niger State, create jobs, attract ancillary industries and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a destination for green industrial investments.
For investors and policymakers alike, the project signals an emerging development model in which industrial growth and clean energy transition are pursued simultaneously, offering a new pathway for addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy and manufacturing challenges.
As construction begins on the solar-powered industrial park, the project is being seen not merely as another industrial investment, but as a bold statement that Nigeria’s future factories may increasingly be powered by the sun rather than by an overstretched national grid.
FG, Niger Launch Nigeria’s Biggest Solar-Powered Industrial Park in Landmark Energy Shift
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Hybrid Forces, have intercepted a suspected arms courier vehicle and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment along the Sokoto-Zaria-Kaduna highway.
Security sources disclosed that the operation, conducted on June 21 based on credible intelligence, targeted a vehicle suspected to be conveying arms to Kogi State.
The sources said the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the security operatives.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Beretta pistols with 9mm ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios and three camouflage jackets.
According to the sources, the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and exploitation.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect as well as uncover the network behind the arms movement.
They noted that the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led security efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal arms and ammunition across the country.
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday joined top Nigerian security leaders at the Fourth Nigeria-United Kingdom Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and other senior security stakeholders.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Ribadu and Jonathan Powell, and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing shared strategic interests between both countries.
Participants discussed ways of enhancing collaboration in areas such as defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and regional security.
Security officials noted that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom remained vital to efforts aimed at tackling security threats and promoting stability.
They added that the partnership had continued to support the development of military and security capabilities through training, technical assistance and strategic engagements.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with national and international partners to strengthen security, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability in line with the Federal Government’s security objectives.
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
By: Zagazola Makama
- Court Fixes June 30 To Hear Appeal on Bench Warrant
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered that politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, be sent back to the Kuje Correctional Centre until June 30 when his application for the setting aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application would be considered.
On Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar, revoked the December 2025 bail he granted Sowore “based on self-recognition”, and ordered that the politician be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Before the revocation of the bail, Justice Umar had ordered Sowore to open his defence in a matter of alleged cybercrime brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the resumed hearing of the matter, on Wednesday, Sowore’s lawyer, R. O. Adakonye, who stood in for Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing of their application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of the bail of the defendant on account of his absence in court on 16th June, 2026.
The prosecution lawyer, A. T. Kehinde ,SAN, however, opposed the application filed by the defence. He told the court have he had filed a counter-affidavit urging the Court to refuse the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail against Sowore.
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the matter to June 30, 2026 for ruling on the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application.
The defence lawyer begged the court to release Sowore to him, with a promise to bring the politician to court hon June 30. The judge declined the defence lawyer’s request and insisted that Sowore be taken back to Kuje Correctional Centre.
The DSS resorted to prosecuting Sowore for alleged cyber-bullying after several unsuccessful appeals to make him pull down posts he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts in August 2025, calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
Troops Recover Over 2,400 Rustled Livestock After Clash with Terrorists in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
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