Dangote, Kano Govt Sign $150m Solar Power Plant MoU
Dangote Group has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Kano State Government for the proposed 100mw Dangote-Black Rhino Solar Power Plant that is to cost $150m.
The formal agreement for the project, which is to be sited at Zakirai, in Gabasawa Local Government Area of the state, recently took place at the office of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji, in Kano.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who was represented by the Group’s Executive Director, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, said the MoU is yet another milestone in the evolving partnership between Dangote Group and Government of Kano state in their determination to bring about the much needed improvement in the country’s economy.
He described the situation of decadence in the power sector, which resulted in decline of the status of Kano, a once vibrant industrial and commercial City in the past three decades as sad, noting that it was incumbent and necessary for the benefit of the people of Kano and the entire nation to restore the economy’s vibrancy.
He decried the power challenges which have continued to militate against industrialisation and economic development in the state, saying “As we all know Kano’s pre-eminent status as a great entrepot and center of Commerce in the Sub-Saharan region for almost two centuries has sadly declined.
“It is an open secret that the gross inadequacy of supply of reliable and affordable electricity is one of the critical challenges facing the State’s economy. This project will, on completion, add 100MW to the state’s electricity supply and is fully in line with our Group’s strong commitment to contribute to the re-invigoration of the State’s economic potential and over all national development”. Dangote said.
The Power Plant, which is a state-of- the- art renewable energy plant will be fully financed, jointly by Dangote Industries Ltd and its global strategic partner, Black Rhino Group, and promises to convert abundant energy of the sun into high quality clean electricity with no deleterious impact on our nation’s economy.
Signing the MoU on behalf of Kano State Government, the SSG, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, indicated that the momentous event showcased obvious sacrifice of Aliko Dangote, a son of the soil, for the ancient City of Kano, its people, and indeed, the nation towards moving Nigeria’s economy forward.
