FG signs deal to build 1GW solar PV plant factory

The Federal Government has signed an agreement for the establishment of a 1 Gigawatt (GW) Solar PV Manufacturing plant in the country as part of efforts to provide reliable energy to Nigerians.

The Infrastructure Corporation (Infracorp), signed the agreement with Solarge BV of the Netherlands and the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank at the ongoing 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Lazarus Angbaso, the Chief Executive Officer of Infracorp, said the objective of the project is to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector and elevate the economy to $1 trillion through sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“The project focuses on local manufacturing, green manufacturing and renewable energy, equipment manufacturing, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” he said.

During the summit, Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, noted that the current power situation in the country is dire, with insufficient transmission infrastructure, limited distribution capacity, and various challenges hindering generation.

While emphasising the importance of adequate energy supply for a country to unlock its full potential, he assured the international community that President Bola Tinubu-led government is fully dedicated to fulfilling its promises.

“We bear witness to the enormous stress on our national grid that continues to trigger power outages that adversely affect the daily lives of our citizens: homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses of diverse scales,” he said.

Adelabu added that renewable energy is no longer just a future aspiration but a present necessity.

While commending the Infracorp-led consortium for successfully securing a manufacturing plant in Nigeria, Olawale Edun, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, said available data indicates a substantial market size for solar energy in Nigeria and the West African region.

Edun said the establishment of a solar PV manufacturing plant in Nigeria has the potential to address various socioeconomic challenges and bring about positive impacts across different sectors.

On the other hand, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, who said that the establishment of the Solar PV Manufacturing plant will be a significant catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial sector, stressed that energy infrastructure is the foundation for innovation, job creation, and prosperity, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.