By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
SET TO deepen its renewable energy drive, Nigeria has signed a landmark agreement with LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd, the world’s largest producer of solar panels, for the establishment of a 1,000-megawatt-capacity solar panel manufacturing plant in the country.
The deal, facilitated by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on behalf of the Federal Government, marks a major breakthrough in efforts to localise clean energy production and reduce dependence on imported solar equipment.
It was formalised during a follow-up visit to China by a Nigerian government delegation, building on a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the year.
Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, described the agreement as a defining step toward achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals and expanding its industrial base in renewable technology.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable energy generation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Abdullahi, the planned facility will not only supply solar panels to meet Nigeria’s growing domestic demand but also position the country as a regional hub for clean energy manufacturing.
He said the ECN is currently implementing the Renewed Hope Solarisation Programme, a national project aimed at deploying solar mini grids in public institutions and rural communities.
He explained that local production would provide the necessary infrastructure to accelerate implementation of the solarisation programme, ensure quality control, and cut logistics costs associated with imports. “
The establishment of this factory will boost local content, create jobs, and drive down the cost of renewable energy systems across the country,” Abdullahi said.
The Energy Commission emphasised that the partnership would create new employment opportunities across technical, engineering, and logistics sectors while stimulating technology transfer and industrial capacity.
It added that the development supports Nigeria’s ambition to build a low-carbon economy through renewable solutions and enhance its competitiveness in the West African energy market.
LONGi, a global leader in photovoltaic technology, produces high-efficiency solar modules and solutions deployed in over 150 countries.
The company’s entry into Nigeria, the ECN noted, signals growing investor confidence in the country’s renewable energy policy direction and its potential as a manufacturing destination.
Abdullahi further stated that local production of solar panels will reduce project costs, make solar installations more accessible to households and institutions, and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to meet its climate and energy commitments.
He said the partnership reflects the administration’s proactive approach to achieving sustainable energy independence through public-private collaboration.
Energy experts view the deal as a game-changing opportunity for Nigeria to close its renewable energy gap.
With millions still lacking access to stable electricity, the initiative could accelerate power availability for schools, hospitals, and small businesses in underserved areas while contributing to the global clean energy transition.
The ECN reiterated its resolve to attract more strategic investments into renewable manufacturing and infrastructure.
It said the LONGi partnership demonstrates how collaboration between government and industry can unlock lasting economic and environmental impact.
