The Northern States Governors’ Forum and the General Electric (GE) International signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of five solar plants, which would generate 500MW of electricity in some parts of Northern Nigeria, This Day reported.

Five states including Borno, Kebbi, Nassarawa, Niger, and Taraba will soon be benefiting from the plants, each with a capacity to generate 100MW, informed ESI Africa.

The electricity generated will be aimed at stimulating economic activities and social services in the affected states, as well as boost agricultural food processing, and small scale businesses.

The project, which is a pilot phase, is being coordinated by the Northern Nigeria Global Economic Re-integration Program.

“We want to go beyond lamentation to provide solutions and we all know that power is key to industrial development. With power, we can create jobs, stimulate our economies and make life better for our people,” said Borno State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Kashim Shettima.

“The General Electric has over 120 years experience in energy solutions, and they have been operating in Nigeria for over 50 years,” he added.