Jigawa Approves N2.7Bn For Solar, Oxygen Plants

Jigawa State Executive Council (SEC) has approved N2.7 billion for additional work on solar-powered mini-grids and medical oxygen plants projects embarked on by the state government.

The state commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Dahiru Musa, disclosed this during a briefing to newsmen on the outcome of the SEC meeting.

The commissioner explained that N1,222,945,203.58 was approved for the purchase of digital oxygen and nitrogen cylinders, as well as electric vehicles, to ensure the effective take-off of the Dutse Medical Oxygen Plant.

He noted that the total amount allocated for the establishment of the plant now stands at N3,425,160,283.50. He maintained that the project was initiated to strengthen the state’s emergency response capacity and sustain medical oxygen supply.

The commissioner added that the council also approved N362 million for the payment of social health insurance capitation to various accredited health facilities in the state.

Hon. Sagir further revealed that the council approved N1.4 billion in additional costs for the contract to construct solar-powered mini-grids at the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and the State Secretariat.

According to him, the initial contract for the project was awarded at N6,084,775,433.75, and the contract has now been reviewed, standing at N7,461,246,577.13.

The commissioner noted that the projects approved by the council are part of Governor Umar Namadi’s administration’s efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy and enhance public healthcare service delivery in the state.