Nigeria to Establish 1GW Solar Panel Factory in Landmark Clean Energy Deal
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
Nigeria has taken a major step in its energy transition drive with the creation of Solarge Nigeria Limited, a partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and Solarge BV of the Netherlands. The new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will establish a 1 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing plant in Nigeria, boosting access to clean energy and accelerating industrialisation.
Backing National Energy Policy
According to the REA, the initiative aligns with the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF). Both frameworks are designed to expand renewable energy access while strengthening local content and promoting sustainable infrastructure.
“This partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilisation capacity, REA’s policy leadership, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology to localise high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria,”the agency stated.
Factory Plans and Job Creation
The solar panel factory is expected to achieve 50% local content within three years, driving technology transfer, capacity building, and job creation. The plant will position Nigeria as a regional hub for solar manufacturing.
As part of the agreement, the REA will procure at least 200 megawatts of solar modules annually for five years to support public electrification projects nationwide.
Voices from the Partnership
Tanimu Yakubu, Director General of the Budget Office, described the project as a win for energy security and fiscal sustainability.
“This partnership exemplifies the type of innovation and collaboration that the federal government seeks to promote. It deepens Nigeria’s industrial base and energy self-reliance,”Yakubu said.
Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, noted that the venture will not only deliver clean energy access but also strengthen local manufacturing capacity. InfraCorp’s MD, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, called the project “a giant leap toward energy sovereignty,” while Joost Brinkman, CEO of Solarge BV, said it would “set a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa.”
Governance and Oversight
Solarge Nigeria Ltd will be governed by a board of directors representing all partners, including an independent non-executive director. A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) will oversee the implementation to ensure regulatory compliance and coordination with public procurement frameworks.
The landmark project is expected to play a central role in Nigeria’s clean energy transition, creating jobs, driving industrialisation, and reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a renewable energy hub in Africa.
