Kano State government is now changing its narrative on issues of electricity for industrial purpose in partnership with leading conglomerate, the Dangote Group.
Already, both parties have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the proposed 100 megawatts Dangote-Black Rhino solar power plant.
Dangote group in a statement made available to Business Hilights revealed that the formal agreement for the project was reached on Thursday at the office of Secretary to the Kano State Government, Usman Alhaji, in Kano.
Delivery specifications show that the emerging power plant would be located at Zakirai, in the Gabasawa Local Government Area of the state.
According to the President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, “The MoU is yet another milestone in the evolving partnership between Dangote Group and the government of Kano State in their determination to bring about the much-needed improvement in the economy of the country.”
Dangote noted further that many were of the view that the poor power supply in the country had led to the decline of the status of Kano, which he described as a once vibrant industrial and commercial city.
Represented by the group’s Executive Director, Mr. Mansur Ahmed during the agreement deal, Dangote averred that it was necessary to restore the economy’s vibrancy for the benefit of the people of Kano and the entire nation.
“As we all know, Kano’s preeminent status as a great entrepôt and centre 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 overall national development.”
Additional details indicated that the power plant will be fully financed, jointly by Dangote Industries Limited and its global strategic partner, Black Rhino Group, and will convert abundant energy of the sun into high-quality clean electricity with no deleterious impact on the nation’s economy.
While explaining Dangote’s gesture as another quantum of sacrifice to Kano State and the people, Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji expressed gratitude to Dangote for making Kano proud and said all hands would be on deck towards ensuring the completion of the project on schedule.