Nigeria has significantly expanded its solar energy capacity to 300 megawatts (MW), marking a major step in its push toward renewable energy development and regional leadership in West Africa.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, disclosed that the country’s local solar manufacturing capacity has grown from 120MW to 300MW within two years, representing about a 150% increase.

The expansion is part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imported solar equipment. Officials say Nigeria is positioning itself as a renewable energy hub, with an additional 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in the pipeline.

The growth has been driven by government-backed policies and increased investor confidence. In 2025 alone, Nigeria secured approximately $425 million in funding to establish eight renewable energy manufacturing plants, further boosting local capacity.

Authorities also confirmed that locally manufactured solar panels are already being exported to neighboring countries such as Ghana, signaling the country’s emergence as a regional supplier.

Regulatory reforms have also played a key role, with new rules by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission expanding mini-grid capacity limits, enabling larger renewable projects and encouraging private sector participation.

Energy experts say the expansion could improve electricity access, support millions of households, and open opportunities for cross-border power trade across West Africa.

Overall, the 300MW milestone reflects Nigeria’s accelerating transition toward clean energy, with long-term plans aimed at scaling up capacity and strengthening energy security nationwide.