Nigerian state partners Chinese firm on solar plant

Nigeria's northwest state of Sokoto on Tuesday said it would partner a Chinese firm to multiply energy sources and improve power supply by building solar plant.

The partnership with Chinese firm Kunming Engineering Corporation to establish a 100-megawatt solar-powered plant will boost small and medium-scale ventures in the state, Bashir Garba, government secretary said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese firm.

"In Sokoto, we have abundant sunlight, so it is only logical that we tap from the natural resource for the benefit of the populace," Garba said.

"After the 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 official said the project would be private-sector driven, and that the state government had agreed to provide land and other incentives.

The Chinese firm had vast experience in electricity generation in solar, wind and hydro, according a manager of the firm.

"We have the requisite capability to deliver quality job on schedule," said the Chinese manager. Endit