Bayelsa State has entered into a $3 million partnership with Dubai-based Jampur Group to establish solar panel, smart meter, and fertiliser blending plants in the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, according to a statement from Governor Douye Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah. The investment will be fully financed by Jampur Group at no cost to the state government.
Governor Diri described the agreement as a significant step in advancing Bayelsa’s economic growth and energy independence, noting that the facilities will serve both the state and the wider Niger Delta region. He emphasized that the project would cut Nigeria’s reliance on imported solar panels and smart meters.
The governor also highlighted Jampur’s track record, recalling the company’s role in supplying and installing the state’s recently acquired 60MW gas turbines. He assured that Bayelsa youths would be trained and integrated into the new initiatives, with the Ministry of Power tasked to drive their participation.
Jampur Group Chairman, Mohammed Shafiq, confirmed that construction of the metering plant will begin before the end of the year. He outlined the three components of the deal: a solar panel manufacturing plant, a smart meter factory, and a fertiliser blending facility.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Bayelsa State by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, while Bello Abdulahi signed for Jampur Group.
Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, hailed the partnership as a landmark achievement aligned with the Diri administration’s Prosperity Agenda.
Governor Diri concluded: “This is a delight for us. Soon, Nigerians will no longer have to look abroad for solar panels or smart meters; they will be produced right here in Bayelsa.”
