- Nigeria records a major shift towards local manufacturing of clean-energy components.
- REA expands off-grid renewable projects to support millions in underserved communities.
Nigeria’s clean energy breakthrough is becoming a reality as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) confirms a historic shift in the nation’s renewable energy pathway. According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr Abba Aliyu, Nigeria has crossed a threshold that signals genuine industrial transformation. The growing momentum behind Nigeria’s clean energy breakthrough reflects a decisive move from import dependence toward domestic value creation.
Dr Aliyu explained the progress after hosting the first Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF). The forum focused on implementing the Nigeria First Policy and highlighted a major structural shift. Nigeria imported 110MW of solar cells in 2025, while finished solar panels accounted for 82MW. This change indicates a strategic transition from purchasing complete products to assembling renewable systems locally.
He noted that local assembly keeps 60 to 70 per cent of the value within Nigeria. Frames, backsheets, junction boxes, glass, lamination, logistics and skilled labour all contribute to domestic productivity. Consequently, industries grow and supply chains strengthen. He added that Nigeria imported more solar cells between January and November 2025 than in all previous years combined.
Dr Aliyu attributed the progress to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda supports domestic manufacturing, economic sovereignty and local content. He also credited the government’s economic reforms for rebuilding investor confidence. Furthermore, interventions in the power sector and commitments from NREIF have catalysed nearly $500 million in manufacturing and supply-chain deals.
He described this alignment as the strongest Nigeria has seen in years. Clear reforms, strong coordination and investor confidence are now working together to reshape the clean energy landscape.
With this progress, the REA is not only electrifying communities. It is building a clean-tech manufacturing base and expanding Nigeria’s energy value chain. The agency’s work targets off-grid communities, where rural access remains between 26 and 33 per cent. Urban access stands between 84 and 89 per cent.
REA projects such as the Nigeria Electrification Project and the Energizing Economies Initiative continue to replace diesel generators with solar mini-grids and home systems. These initiatives support households, MSMEs and key institutions like universities. They also expand access for millions of underserved Nigerians.
Despite challenges, private investors remain interested in Nigeria’s $9.2 billion annual distributed renewable energy market. The REA intends to create the right conditions for these companies, since many communities are too far from the national grid.
In essence, the agency is not competing with private firms. Instead, it is building the market that will allow long-term clean energy growth and nationwide benefits.