Nigeria is recording significant growth in its solar energy sector, with local manufacturing capacity rising to 300 megawatts from 120 megawatts within the past two years.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu, disclosed this during a webinar hosted by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers in Lagos on Wednesday.
He explained that the country is working toward a 3.7 gigawatts pipeline, positioning itself as a leading renewable energy hub in West Africa.
Aliyu noted that several countries, including Mozambique, Benin and Niger, are already showing interest in adopting Nigeria’s power access model.
He attributed the progress to targeted government policies designed to attract private sector participation and boost investor confidence.
According to him, about 425 million dollars was invested in 2025 to establish eight renewable energy manufacturing facilities across the country.
He added that Nigeria has begun exporting locally produced solar panels from Lagos to Accra, Ghana, marking a key step toward regional leadership in renewable energy production.
Aliyu highlighted the role of updated regulatory frameworks, particularly the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s 2026 Mini-Grid Regulations, in strengthening investor confidence.
He said the new rules expand allowable mini-grid capacity and simplify licensing processes, making it easier to develop larger renewable energy projects.
The REA boss also pointed out that expanded mini-grid capacity could support cross-border electricity trade, especially in border communities.
He emphasised the need to complement existing regional grid integration efforts with a robust off-grid electricity market across Africa.
Aliyu added that Nigeria’s electricity access strategy is gaining traction across the continent, with multiple countries exploring its framework.
He described the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme as one of the largest publicly funded renewable energy initiatives globally.
The programme aims to connect millions of Nigerians to electricity through mini-grids and household systems, driven largely by private sector investment.
Aliyu said the funding structure is already attracting strong financial backing from local and international institutions, reflecting growing confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy drive.
He maintained that continued collaboration and investment would further accelerate energy access and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in the regional power sector.