By Abbas Nazil
The Jigawa State Government has signed a deal with Tesni Energy Nigeria Limited and Leda GreenPowerfor Energy Engineering, Beijing for the establishment of a 100-megawatt-per-annum solar panel assembly factory in the state.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of the state signed the joint venture agreement with the two firms at the Government House in Dutse.
The Governor said the project represents a major step in the state’s drive to deepen industrialisation and expand renewable energy infrastructure.
He explained that the solar panel assembly factory is designed to serve both commercial and strategic purposes for Jigawa State.
Malam Namadi said the project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits, including job creation and the stimulation of local industries.
He added that the factory would also attract further domestic and foreign investments into the state.
The Governor assured the private partners of the state government’s readiness to meet all its obligations under the joint venture agreement.
He described the partnership as part of a broader vision to position Jigawa as a hub for clean energy and sustainable industrial growth.
Earlier, the team leader of Tesni Energy Nigeria Limited and Leda GreenPower Energy Engineering, Engr Bashir Ishak, said the project is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that the solar panel assembly factory is also among the first in the country in terms of the advanced technology to be deployed.
Engr Bashir disclosed that the project is valued at over five million dollars.
He added that feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessments for the project have already been completed.
The GreenPower official said the factory will play a critical role in reducing the cost of solar power deployment in Jigawa State and across Northern Nigeria.
He said local assembly of solar panels would improve access to renewable energy solutions while reducing dependence on imported components.
The Jigawa State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr Surajo Musa, said the project aligns with ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
He explained that the Federal Government’s reforms now empower states to participate directly in electricity generation and related infrastructure development.
The Commissioner noted that Jigawa State is among the first states in Northern Nigeria to domesticate the Electricity Act.
He said the state has also developed the necessary framework to support private sector participation in the power sector in line with national policy.
Engr Surajo Musa added that Jigawa’s high level of solar irradiation makes it one of the most suitable states for solar energy development in Nigeria.
He described the establishment of the solar panel assembly factory as timely and strategic.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the project would strengthen energy access, support industrial growth and contribute to sustainable development in the state.
