Niger gov wants increase local content in solar panels, batteries manufacture
Agency Report
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has said solar panels and batteries can be manufactured locally to creating jobs, lowering costs, and strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy supply chain.
The governor noted this on Thursday in Abuja at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) state- by- state roundtable engagement with Niger state, adding that this means that solar panels and batteries do not need to be imported.
He said the state is already leading by example in transitioning hospitals, public schools, and government offices into green facilities.
He said Niger state is the first subnational government in Nigeria to establish a Green and Blue Economy Agency, staffed with professionals who understand climate finance, sustainability, and the future of development.
He called on companies in Nigeria and conglomerates to set up factories for production of renewables and solar cells and batteries.
“So, to make solar cells, you don’t even have to bring it from China. The Chinese community can come and set up a tax rate, no tax in Nigeria.
“True sustainability demands something stronger than personalities. It requires resilient institutions systems that are faceless, enduring, and capable of standing the test of time.
That belief is what brought us together in this room: to discuss how renewable power can be made truly sustainable in Nigeria.
“Infrastructure without economic activity will fail. You can build houses, but if people have no livelihoods, they cannot pay their mortgages. You can deploy renewable energy, but if people are not producing anything, they cannot pay for power. You can build hospitals, but without income, healthcare becomes unsustainable.
“That is why Niger State took a bold step setting aside over 100,000 hectares of land for housing and agriculture under its flagship development program.”
Also, the Executive Director of Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Engr. Doris Uboh explained that the REF national program targets 7.4 million households, impacting over 43 million Nigerians, while achieving 1.5 million tons of carbon reduction positioning Nigeria strongly in the global carbon market.
She explained that the project is structured in phases, beginning with 925 communities nationwide, where each state will electrify 25 communities, delivering 2.5 megawatts per states in the first phase alone.
“But electricity is only the beginning.
Each community has been mapped not just for power needs, but for economic potential. Agricultural output, land size, dominant crops, and productivity gains have been identified.
