Nigeria has joined forces with a Dutch company to launch a cutting-edge solar panel manufacturing plant with a capacity of one gigawatt (GW). This initiative is designed to incorporate 50% local content within its initial three years, reduce carbon emissions, and generate employment opportunities, marking a pivotal advancement for Nigeria’s renewable energy and manufacturing industries.
The partnership brings together the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and the Netherlands-based Solarge BV. Together, they have established Solarge Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked with developing and managing the state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility in Nigeria. The agreement was formalized at InfraCorp’s headquarters in Abuja.
This SPV will oversee the construction and operation of a 1GW solar PV panel factory, representing a landmark collaboration between public and private sectors aimed at accelerating renewable energy industrialization and boosting local production capabilities.
Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the managing director and CEO of REA, highlighted that the factory’s goal is to reach 50% local content within three years, which will not only create numerous jobs but also facilitate the transfer of advanced solar technology to Nigeria.
He further revealed that REA has pledged to procure a minimum of 200MW of solar modules annually over the next five years to support its public sector solarization projects. This commitment is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on diesel-powered electricity and significantly lower the nation’s carbon emissions.
The partnership leverages InfraCorp’s expertise in mobilizing investments, REA’s leadership in rural electrification and public sector solar initiatives, and Solarge BV’s cutting-edge manufacturing technology. This collaboration follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on August 7, 2025, which launched the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), a government-driven program to install solar energy systems in schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices nationwide.
Solarge Nigeria Limited will be governed by a board comprising representatives from all stakeholders, ensuring effective project management and adherence to regulatory standards through dedicated offices.
“This venture is not just about expanding access to clean energy; it’s about cultivating local expertise in solar manufacturing,” said the REA CEO. “It aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our mission to electrify communities and public institutions.”
Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, managing director and CEO of InfraCorp, emphasized, “Solarge Nigeria Limited marks a significant stride toward energy independence and local manufacturing. We are honored to collaborate with REA and Solarge BV to build a sustainable and resilient energy future for Nigeria.”
Joost Brinkman, CEO of Solarge BV, expressed his excitement: “We are eager to contribute our technology and experience to this groundbreaking project. Solarge Nigeria Limited will set a new standard for solar manufacturing in Africa-developed by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, director general of the Budget Office, remarked, “This partnership exemplifies the innovative collaborations the Federal Government aims to foster under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. It supports fiscal sustainability while strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity and energy autonomy.”
The REA added that Solarge Nigeria Limited’s governance structure includes a Board of Directors with shareholder representation and an independent non-executive director. A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) and Offtake Coordination Desk will oversee smooth project delivery, regulatory compliance, and alignment with public procurement policies.
The energy transition journey was officially launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between REA, the Budget Office of the Federation, InfraCorp, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on August 7, 2025.
This event marked the commencement of the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), a flagship government program aimed at deploying distributed solar energy solutions across critical public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices.
The initiative addresses a vital national objective: delivering clean, dependable energy to essential services, reducing reliance on diesel generators, and lowering the public sector’s carbon emissions.
Moreover, the MoU highlights enhanced public-private cooperation to promote localized renewable energy manufacturing and steer Nigeria toward sustainable energy financing models.
