Sokoto to generate 100mw of power from solar

Sokoto state government has said it is determined to multiply its energy sources so as to improve power supply and in turn boost small and medium scale industries in the state.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Bashir Garba, stated this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm, Kunming Engineering Corporation, for the establishment of 100mw solar-powered electricity plant in the state.

“In Sokoto, we have abundant sunlight so it is only logical we tap from the natural resource for the benefit of the populace,” the SSG said.

He added that after exploratory talks held with various companies that showed interest in providing solar power in Sokoto, the government zeroed down on Kunming because of the viability of their proposal and its future impact.

He said the project would be private-sector led, with the state government agreeing to provide a land and other incentives, while the Chinese company regularizes approval permit from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“When completed, this project will complement the State Independent Power Project currently in place. We are confident that the two projects will ensure tremendous improvement in power supply in Sokoto. So I urge you to work on the terms of the agreement,” the SSG added.

In his remarks, the Assistant Managing Director for Overseas Business of the company, Qui Haisheng, said Kunming Corporation has vast experience in electricity generation spanning areas like solar, wind and hydro, adding that they have the requisite capability to deliver quality job on schedule.