Nigeria has partnered with a Dutch firm to establish a one-gigawatt (GW) solar panel manufacturing factory. The solar factory aims to achieve 50 per cent local content within the first three years, lower carbon emissions, and create jobs, marking a significant boost for the country’s clean energy and industrial sectors.
The collaboration involves the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and Solarge BV of the Netherlands, which formally launched Solarge Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that will develop and operate the state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) factory in Nigeria. The agreement was signed at InfraCorp’s Abuja office.
The SPV will develop and operate a 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Nigeria, marking a landmark public-private collaboration to advance renewable energy industrialisation and local manufacturing.
Following the agreement, the managing director/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the planned 1GW solar factory aimed to achieve 50 per cent local content within the first three years, creating numerous jobs and facilitating technology transfer.
According to him, the REA has committed to purchasing at least 200MW of solar modules annually for five years to supply its public sector solarisation programmes, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on diesel-generated power and trimming the carbon footprint.
He said the public-private partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilisation capacity, REA’s policy leadership in rural electrification and public sector solarisation, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to localise high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria, and follows the August 7, 2025, signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that launched the NPSSI, a government-led programme to deploy solar energy systems across schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices.
Solarge Nigeria Limited will be governed by a board representing all shareholders and will maintain dedicated offices to ensure smooth project execution and regulatory compliance.
“Through this joint venture, we are not only creating access to clean energy but building the local capacity to manufacture it. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our mandate to electrify communities and institutions.”
The managing director/CEO of InfraCorp, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, added: “Solarge Nigeria Limited represents a bold step toward local manufacturing and energy sovereignty. We’re proud to partner with REA and Solarge BV to build a resilient and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.”
On his part, the CEO of Solarge BV, Joost Brinkman, also expressed enthusiasm, “We are excited to bring our technology and experience to this landmark initiative. Solarge Nigeria Ltd will set a new benchmark for African solar manufacturing — built by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
Also speaking, the director general of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi stated that “This partnership exemplifies the type of innovation and collaboration that the Federal Government seeks to promote under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. It not only supports our fiscal sustainability goals but also deepens Nigeria’s industrial base and energy self-reliance.”
The REA stated, “Solarge Nigeria Ltd will be governed by a Board of Directors representing all shareholders, including an independent non-executive director. A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) and Offtake Coordination Desk will ensure seamless execution, regulatory compliance, and alignment with public procurement frameworks.
“The journey toward energy transition began with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Budget Office of the Federation, InfraCorp, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
“This event marked the formal launch of the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) — a flagship government-led program to deploy distributed solar energy solutions across public institutions such as schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices.
“The initiative addresses a key national priority: providing clean, reliable energy to critical infrastructure, reducing diesel dependency, and cutting the public sector’s carbon footprint.
“The MoU also underscores stronger public-private collaboration to drive localised renewable energy manufacturing and transition Nigeria toward more sustainable energy financing models.”
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER
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