Adelabu says initiative will add 4GW annual capacity, boost local production, and position Nigeria as Africa’s clean energy hub….
The Federal Government has secured nearly $500 million in partnership with state governors and private investors to establish solar manufacturing plants across the country, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has announced.
Speaking at the Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos, Adelabu revealed that Nigeria has already begun exporting locally manufactured solar panels to Ghana, a development he described as a milestone in the country’s renewable energy drive and regional integration efforts.
According to the minister, the investment agreements were finalized during the recently concluded Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum, organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The deals, he said, are expected to deliver close to 4 gigawatts (GW) of solar manufacturing capacity every year, nearly 80 per cent of Nigeria’s current total power generation.
“At the recently concluded Renewable Energy Innovation Forum, we successfully activated agreements totalling almost $500 million with state governors and investors. What this means is that we are bringing on stream about 4GW per annum of solar manufacturing capacity almost 80 per cent of our current national generation capacity,” Adelabu said.
Boost for Local Manufacturing and Exports
Adelabu explained that the initiative would strengthen local production of solar panels, batteries, and meters, significantly reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports while opening new opportunities for exports within Africa.
“Companies that will manufacture solar panels, batteries, and meters here in Nigeria can now receive deposits and government support. With this scale of renewable production, we’re not only meeting our domestic clean energy goals but also becoming a regional power hub,” he said.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria began exporting solar panels to Ghana last month, the first of such exports and expressed optimism that the country would soon become the continent’s leading renewable energy manufacturing base.
“We started exporting solar panels made in Nigeria to Ghana just last month, and this is only the beginning. Our goal is to make Nigeria the renewable energy hub for West Africa and, ultimately, the entire continent,” he added.
Economic, Industrial, and Job Impact
Adelabu emphasized that the move will yield far-reaching economic benefits, including job creation, improved foreign exchange earnings, and accelerated deployment of solar infrastructure nationwide.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to training and empowering young Nigerians in renewable energy technologies to sustain long-term growth in the sector.
“Nigeria’s power sector is open and ready for business more than ever before. The government is committed to creating an investor-friendly environment across the power value chain, especially in transmission,” the minister said.
He assured investors that their investments would be protected, noting that the structure of Nigeria’s power sector guarantees returns.
“As rational investors, recovery of your principal and returns are important and in Nigeria’s power sector, you will not lose your investment. You will be proud to be part of our energy transformation journey,” Adelabu assured.
REA Pushes for Local Production
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, had earlier reaffirmed government efforts to localize the production of renewable energy components.
According to him, Nigeria spends over ₦200 billion annually importing photovoltaic (PV) panels, a trend the agency is determined to reverse.
“Over ₦200 billion has been spent on the importation of PV panels into the country. While importation may still be needed in the short term, our focus is on domesticating the manufacturing of renewable energy equipment. Lagos, being the centre of excellence, is leading this drive,” Aliyu said earlier this year.
With the new $500 million investment, Nigeria is now on track to expand its solar energy manufacturing capacity, boost local industry, and emerge as a leading player in Africa’s renewable energy market.
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