N4bn 10mw Kano solar project takes off as beneficiaries get compensation  

By Tobias Pius

The N4 billion federal government solar project for the industrial hub in the Kumbotso area of Kano State has taken off, with Kano State government already kick starting payment of compensation to landowners in order to enable a smooth take-off.

The federal government is rolling out the project in Kano, 10 megawatts (MW) solar power system designed to enhance alternative energy delivery.

More than 100 beneficiaries were handed N42million as compensation through Jibrilla Mohammed, the project’s contact person in Kano, who also reiterated the state government’s contribution towards the project in the form of providing the necessary facility which also includes the over 43 hectares of land for its establishment.

Mohammed said the federal government gave the responsibility of managing the project to the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the project has already been paid for completely, to the tune of over N4billion. However, while the federal government has taken 100 per cent of the project’s cost, the state and the local governments are supposed to contribute.

He explained that the project, upon completion, will be managed by Haske Solar, a company that will be jointly owned by the Federal Government on 80 percent dividends while state and local governments will have 15 percent and five percent respectively.