African Industries Group is set to develop a major steel manufacturing facility alongside a dedicated solar power plant and the proposed AIG Industrial Park in Niger State, marking a significant step toward improving energy reliability for industrial production in Nigeria.
The integrated project is designed to reduce manufacturers’ dependence on the country’s unstable electricity supply by generating renewable energy to support steel production.
Chairman of African Industries Group, Raj Gupta, described the land allocation for the project as a landmark development. He noted that the planned solar power facility could become the largest in Nigeria and one of the biggest dedicated to supporting steel manufacturing in West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
The investment supports Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s vision of transforming the state into a major industrial hub. As part of that strategy, the governor announced plans to designate an additional 200,000 hectares of land for industrial development extending toward Kaduna State.
According to the governor, the initiative will take advantage of key infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, abundant solar resources, and major hydropower facilities such as the Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru dams.
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, commended African Industries Group for expanding into one of West Africa’s leading steel producers, with an estimated workforce of about 10,000 employees. He said the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, with the steel sector expected to play a critical role.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, also welcomed the investment, saying projects of this scale would strengthen local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imported steel products, and create employment opportunities.
Established more than 50 years ago, African Industries Group has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest industrial companies, operating over 30 manufacturing plants across sectors including steel, mining, chemicals, glass, and real estate.
Its subsidiary, Abuja Steel Mills, is now expanding into large-scale renewable energy generation to power steel production with solar energy, reducing reliance on diesel generators and the national electricity grid.
Industry observers believe the project could serve as a model for sustainable industrial development by demonstrating how renewable energy can support large-scale manufacturing across Africa.
