India, Nigeria sign solar power plant deal

ABUJA: India and Nigeria have signed an agreement to locate sites for solar power plants in Niger state, the first of a series of power plant deals which would provide additional energy for African country's national grid.

The agreement was signed between Nigeria's permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power Godknows Igali and the secretary to the Government of India, Sutanu Behuria.

With this agreement, Bharat Heavy Electricals will begin preliminary studies ahead of siting independent solar-powered plants in selected locations in Niger, a Nigerian newspaper, Daily Trust reported.

"Nigeria's power sector will remain open to investment with the hope of unbundling the sector's potential," Igali said after the signing.

Behuria expressed India's interest in the provision of funds in various forms for the development of Nigeria's power sector.