By Jacinta Hycenth, Abuja
Bayelsa State and Jampur Group, a Dubai-based company in the United Arab Emirates, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up solar power and smart electricity metering production plants in the state.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday, said the $3 million investment would be financed solely by the conglomerate.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri commended the Chairman of Jampur Group, Mohammed Shafiq, for the partnership with Bayelsa State Government.
“This is purely a private-sector driven investment worth $3m by Jampur, the same company that is responsible for the supply and installation of the 60MW gas turbines for our ongoing Independent Power Plant Project expected to be ready by the end of this year.
“I feel very excited that while these projects will create new job opportunities and skills to our people, it will also boost industrialisation drive in the State,” the governor remarked.
He added that the project would not only serve Bayelsa State, but also the Niger Delta region, Nigeria, including the Gulf of Guinea.
He said when completed, the factories will make solar panels and smart meters available in the state and end frequent trips by Nigerians outside the country in search of the items.
He stressed that the introduction of smart meters would end frequent clashes between power consumers and suppliers, as those who fail to pay would be automatically disconnected.
Diri charged the Ministry of Power to ensure that youths of the state were actively involved in the establishment of the factories and given the necessary training to participate actively in the power sector.
Earlier, the Chairman of Jampur Group, Mohammed Shafiq, said the firm was excited about the partnership with Bayelsa State.
Shafiq stated that the agreement had three components, which include a smart electric meter production plant, a solar panel production factory and a fertiliser blending plant.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, hailed the Memorandum of Understanding as a significant milestone that harmonizes with the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda of the Diri administration.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, affixed his signature to the agreement on behalf of the government, whereas Bello Abdulahi endorsed it on behalf of Jampur Group.
