The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy sector with the signing of a landmark agreement to establish a 1,000-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing plant. The project, designed to strengthen local production capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and accelerate the country’s clean energy transition, was formalized on Wednesday at the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) office in Abuja.
The deal brings together three major stakeholders, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), InfraCorp, and Dutch renewable energy company Solarge BV, under a newly created joint venture named Solarge Nigeria Limited. According to the agreement, Solarge BV will hold a 49% stake, while InfraCorp and REA will own 26% and 25%, respectively. Officials highlighted that the ownership structure reflects a public-private partnership model aimed at mobilising capital, ensuring accountability, and promoting technology transfer.
The factory, aligned with the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), will serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s renewable energy strategy. InfraCorp will focus on driving investment mobilisation, the REA will provide policy and electrification leadership, while Solarge BV will contribute advanced manufacturing technology and international expertise.
The 1GW solar PV plant is expected to be state-of-the-art, achieving 50% local content within its first three years. Beyond expanding the country’s clean energy capacity, the initiative is set to foster technology transfer, skills training, and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
To secure financial stability, a binding offtake agreement has been reached in which REA will purchase at least 200 megawatts of solar panels annually for five years. These panels will be deployed to power schools, hospitals, security posts, and other government facilities under NPSSI and RHIDF programmes.
Speaking during the signing, Budget Office Director General Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi described the initiative as a strong example of the collaboration envisioned under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This partnership exemplifies the innovation and cooperation needed to strengthen our fiscal sustainability, deepen industrial capacity, and advance energy independence,” he said.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu echoed this sentiment, stating that the project was about more than just generating power. “Through this venture, we are not only providing clean energy access but also building local capacity for solar manufacturing. It fits squarely within our mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he explained.
InfraCorp CEO Lazarus Angbazo emphasized the strategic significance of the facility, noting that it symbolises Nigeria’s move toward energy sovereignty. Meanwhile, Solarge BV CEO Joost Brinkman expressed optimism about the venture’s potential to set “a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa, built by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
The joint venture will be overseen by a board representing all partners, with an independent non-executive director ensuring transparency. A dedicated project management office and procurement coordination desk will monitor compliance, operations, and alignment with national standards.
The journey began in August 2025, when a memorandum of understanding was signed by REA, InfraCorp, the Budget Office, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, launching NPSSI as a flagship initiative to replace diesel generators in public institutions with solar solutions.
Government officials believe the factory will reduce carbon emissions, cut foreign exchange outflows tied to solar imports, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s industrialisation. Analysts also predict it could become Africa’s largest solar PV hub, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in renewable energy while supporting economic diversification and long-term energy security.
