Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced plans to establish renewable energy manufacturing hubs in four states while commissioning a new 505-kilowatt peak (kWp) interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, as part of efforts to expand clean energy access, promote local manufacturing, and strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy value chain.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Epe mini-grid, REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abba Aliyu said the agency is pursuing a strategy that goes beyond rural electrification by positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for renewable energy manufacturing. The proposed manufacturing clusters will support the local production of key components such as solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other clean energy equipment.
According to the agency, the manufacturing hubs are expected to be located across four Nigerian states, creating opportunities for industrial development, technology transfer, skills acquisition, and employment while reducing the country’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader energy transition and industrialisation agenda.
The newly commissioned 505kWp interconnected solar mini-grid will provide reliable electricity to five communities in Epe Local Government Area Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora, and Ibowon benefiting about 8,000 residents, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. The project was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) with support from the European Union and the German Government.
REA said the Epe project represents only the first phase of a broader renewable energy development plan for the area. The agency intends to expand generation capacity in Epe to 5 megawatts (MW) to support agro-processing, cold-chain facilities, digital enterprises, and other industrial activities expected to drive economic growth within the community.
Aliyu noted that reliable electricity is critical to improving productivity, supporting small businesses, and reducing dependence on diesel and petrol generators. He added that the agency’s approach combines public policy, private-sector investment, development partner funding, and community participation to accelerate universal energy access across Nigeria.
Industry experts say the combination of local manufacturing and expanded mini-grid deployment could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem by lowering equipment costs, improving supply chains, creating skilled jobs, and accelerating the country’s transition toward cleaner energy sources. The initiative is also expected to attract additional private investment into the renewable energy sector. The announcement reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access, promoting clean energy adoption, and developing domestic manufacturing capacity to support Nigeria’s long-term energy security and economic diversification goals.
