Nigeria has spent more than N200 billion on importing solar panels in recent years. This was shared by Abba Aliyu, the CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), during a roundtable with the Lagos State Government.
The discussion focused on electrifying rural areas in Lagos and how to shift towards local solar panel production.
Nigeria’s Goal to Manufacture Solar Panels
Aliyu explained that while importing solar panels was necessary, the government is working on domestic manufacturing. He believes that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, will play a major role in leading this effort.
We’ve spent over N200bn on imported solar panels, but now we’re focused on producing them locally, Aliyu said.
Lagos to Lead Solar Panel Manufacturing
The REA has already helped set up a solar panel manufacturing plant in Ikotun, Lagos. The plant started with a 10-megawatt capacity but has now increased production to 100 megawatts with REA’s support.
Aliyu also mentioned that the REA is planning to sign a partnership with Green World for a $150 million lithium battery assembly plant in Lagos.
The Future of Solar Energy in Nigeria
These moves could make Nigeria a leader in solar energy production in Africa, shifting from a reliance on imports to producing renewable energy locally.
