Nigeria Signs Solar Manufacturing Deal to Boost Power Access

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), announced that over 85 million Nigerians, approximately 40% of the population, lack reliable access to grid electricity. This statement was made during the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with Ecotech Development Nigeria Limited on Tuesday in Abuja.

The agreement aims to establish a solar panel and battery assembly and manufacturing facility in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy efforts. Aliyu expressed concern over Nigeria's reliance on imported renewable energy equipment despite its abundant solar resources, stating that nearly all solar installations in Nigeria depend on foreign-manufactured components.

He emphasized that the importation of solar equipment has hindered local job creation and technical capacity. Under the new agreement, the REA will facilitate the annual offtake of up to 200 megawatts of solar photovoltaic modules and 200 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems produced by Ecotech in Nigeria.

The arrangement is designed to promote local manufacturing while adhering to existing public procurement regulations.