The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and Solarge BV of the Netherlands is set to establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to boost electricity in Nigeria.
The SPV is expected to operate one gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
Mr Mutari Ibrahim, REA’s Director of Promotion and Outreach made this known in a statement in Abuja yesterday.
Ibrahim said that the co-ownership and collaboration, aligned with the Federal Government’s National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
He said that the initiative aimed to scale clean energy access across public institutions, while building robust local content in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
”This public-private partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilisation capacity, REA’s policy leadership in rural electrification and public sector Solarisation, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to localise high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria,”he said.
According to him, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is to be constructed in Nigeria, with a target of 50 per cent local content within the first three years.
”The facility will support significant technology transfer, capacity building, and job creation, furthering the country’s energy transition and industrial policy goals.
”Under the agreement, REA has committed to procure at least 200 Megawatts (MW) of solar modules per year over five years from Solarge Nigeria Ltd for NPSSI, RHIDF, and other public electrification programmes.”
Speaking at the event, Director General, Budget Office, Mr Tanimu Kurfi said that the partnership exemplified the type of innovation and collaboration that the federal government sought to promote under the RHIDF.
Kurfi said that the partnership does not only support the federal government’s fiscal sustainability goals but also deepens Nigeria’s industrial base and energy self-reliance.
Similarly, Mr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA said that through the joint venture, the federal government was not only creating access to clean energy but building the local capacity to manufacture it.
Aluyi said that the initiative aligned perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and REA’s mandate to electrify communities and institutions.
In the same vein, Dr Lazarus Angbazo, Managing Director, InfraCorp, said that Solarge Nigeria represented a bold step toward local manufacturing and energy sovereignty.
”We are proud to partner with REA and Solarge BV to build a resilient and sustainable energy future for Nigeria,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solarge BV, Mr Joost Brinkman, also expressed enthusiasm on the partnership.
”We are excited to bring our technology and experience to this landmark initiative. Solarge Nigeria Ltd., will set a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa built by Nigerians and for Nigerians.
”Solarge Nigeria will be governed by a Board of Directors representing all shareholders including an independent non-executive director.
”A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) and Off-take Coordination Desk will ensure seamless execution, regulatory compliance, and alignment with public procurement frameworks,” he said.
The journey toward energy transition began with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA, the Budget Office of the Federation, InfraCorp, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on Aug. 7.