By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria has signed a major agreement to establish a 1,000-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility, marking a significant step in its energy transition agenda.
The deal, formalised on Wednesday at the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) office in Abuja, brings together the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), InfraCorp, and Dutch firm Solarge BV to form Solarge Nigeria Limited — a special-purpose vehicle that will build and operate the factory.
Solarge BV will hold a 49% stake in the venture, with InfraCorp and REA holding 26% and 25%, respectively.
This public-private partnership is designed to encourage investment, ensure accountability, and promote technology transfer.
The facility aligns with the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), both targeted at expanding clean energy access and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
The factory will aim to achieve 50% local content within three years and is expected to create thousands of jobs, drive skills development, and support Nigeria’s goal of energy self-reliance.
To guarantee demand and financial sustainability, REA has committed to purchasing 200 megawatts of solar modules annually over five years under a binding offtake agreement.
These modules will support government-led electrification efforts in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, Director General of the Budget Office, described the initiative as a key part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it reflects the government’s drive for fiscal sustainability, energy independence, and industrialisation.
REA MD Abba Aliyu said the project is about more than energy access, noting that it will build Nigeria’s capacity to produce renewable technologies locally.
InfraCorp CEO Lazarus Angbazo echoed this, calling it a bold move towards energy sovereignty.
Joost Brinkman, CEO of Solarge BV, stated the project would “set a new benchmark” for solar manufacturing in Africa.
A board of directors, including an independent non-executive member, will oversee the project, with a dedicated management team to ensure compliance and execution.
The initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed on August 7, 2025, by REA, the Budget Office, InfraCorp, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated — marking the launch of NPSSI to phase out diesel in public institutions.
The project also follows recent government discussions on restricting solar panel imports. By promoting local production, officials say Nigeria can reduce forex outflows and improve investor confidence.
Analysts believe the facility could become Africa’s largest solar PV manufacturing hub and play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy and industrial transformation.
