The Federal Government has entered into a landmark agreement to establish a 1,000-megawatt solar photovoltaic panel factory in Nigeria, a move officials say will boost local production, reduce dependence on imports, and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
According to Punch, the deal was formalized on Wednesday at the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) headquarters in Abuja.
The partnership brings together the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), InfraCorp, and Dutch renewable energy company Solarge BV under a new entity, Solarge Nigeria Limited, which will oversee the construction and operations of the plant.
Ownership stakes are split between the three partners: Solarge BV holds 49 per cent, InfraCorp 26 per cent, and REA 25 per cent.
Officials noted that this structure reflects a public-private partnership model designed to attract investment, ensure accountability, and guarantee technology transfer.
The facility is aligned with Nigeria’s National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
It is projected to achieve 50 per cent local content within its first three years, while also generating thousands of jobs, facilitating skills development, and fostering technology transfer.
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As part of the agreement, the REA has committed to an annual offtake of at least 200 megawatts of solar modules over five years, ensuring stable demand for the locally manufactured panels.
These will be deployed across schools, hospitals, security posts, and other public institutions.
Commenting on the deal, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, Director-General of the Budget Office, said the initiative showcases the “type of innovation and collaboration” the government aims to promote under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similarly, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, described the project as an opportunity to build both energy access and local capacity.
InfraCorp’s CEO, Lazarus Angbazo, emphasized that the venture represents a step toward Nigeria’s “energy sovereignty,” while Solarge BV’s CEO, Joost Brinkman, expressed optimism that the project would “set a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa — built by Nigerians, for Nigerians”.
The initiative traces back to an MoU signed on August 7, 2025, between REA, InfraCorp, the Budget Office, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, which formally launched the NPSSI.
The programme seeks to replace diesel-powered electricity in public institutions with solar energy.
Energy experts say the plant could emerge as Africa’s largest solar PV manufacturing hub, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in renewable energy.
By reducing reliance on imported solar panels, the government hopes to cut foreign exchange outflows, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen its industrial base.
Image Credit: Nigerian Tribune
