Nigeria pushes local manufacturing to power up renewable energy boom

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Federal Government has started ramping up initiatives to boost local content in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, aiming to curb heavy reliance on imported hardware and unlock industrial growth.

Through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the government seeks to capture the economic value of the country’s expanding renewable market.

This move addresses concerns that Nigeria’s advanced decentralised energy framework is undermined by importing most equipment.

REA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr Abba Aliyu, highlighted the issue in a statement shared by the Presidency, “about 80–90 per cent of renewable energy equipment is still imported.”

He emphasised urgent action, calling for “local manufacturing, skills transfer, and strategic market structuring to drive job creation, build industries, and retain economic value within Nigeria.”

The push aligns with broader goals to create jobs, foster domestic industries, and position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.

Officials say targeted policies could transform imports into homegrown production, boosting GDP and energy access in rural areas.

REA plans workshops, partnerships with local firms, and incentives for manufacturers in the coming months.