By Bashir Mohammed Kano Kano state government, Dangote Group of Companies and Black Rhino Group, yesterday in Kano, signed a $150 million Memorandum of Understanding on Solar Power project. On completion of the project, within 24 months target, the independent power project, is expected to generate 100 mega watts of electricity, not only to industries, but to the people of the state. Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji, signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while the Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Manusr Ahmed, signed on behalf of the Dangote Group and partners.
In his address on the occasion, the SSG, emphasised that solar power project was in vogue all over the world, stressing that we needed energy for the progress and growth of the economy of the state. ”We need energy to make any progress and development anywhere in the world, so we believe this is a right step in the right direction and I wish to also reiterate that the Kano state government is very keen on this project and we are doing everything possible, under the leadership of the Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to improve the life and living conditions of the people of Kano State.” In his remarks, Ahmed said the purpose of the solar power project was to improve the economy of Kano, as a great centre of commerce in the sub-Saharan region.
Th e project, to be jointly fi nanced by the Dangote Industries Limited and Black Rhino Group, is expected to provide state of the art renewable energy plant, which would convert the abundant energy from sun into electricity. Also, he noted that it was an open secret that the inadequacy of supply and aff ordable electricity, as one of the critical challenges confronting the entire national economy. He said, the granting of a sizeable land on which the project would be sited will no doubt accelerate the delivery of the estimated $150 million power project. One of the vital aspects of the project, he said, was that the plant would source its basic raw material from the environment, stressing that they are committed to commencing the project as soon as possible. He urged the community to ensure a harmonious, sustainable and mutual relationship for the success of the project.
