As part of efforts to address persistent electricity supply issues and drive clean energy innovation, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to establish a $150 million lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The initiative will also include the creation of a renewable energy university to build local capacity and support sustainable development.
According to thesun.ng, he also vowed to set up a Renewable Energy University to boost local skills and innovation.
Sanwo Olu who spoke through his Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to clean energy in Lagos State, with a focus on powering public institutions through rooftop solar systems.
The agreement, signed during the Lagos State Energy Summit, at the weekend, marks a significant milestone under the REA’s State-by-State Initiative and aligns with the Federal Government’s push to deepen sub-national electricity access through the 2023 Electricity Act.
The new partnership will support the deployment of sustainable, distributed energy solutions across Lagos, so addressing the widespread use of over 4 million diesel generators in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in tackling energy challenges.
“We have excess power generation but it’s misdirected and not evenly distributed. This collaboration with REA will help bridge that gap,” he said.
REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, announced several major projects under the new agreement, including plans for Nigeria’s first floating solar PV plant (8MW) to power Lagos State University.
READ: Africa: eDryv Launches in Lagos as Nigeria’s First 95% Green-Powered EV Ride-Hailing Service
In his remarks, Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, said that the partnership will also advance the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, backed by the World Bank.
“These efforts are designed to empower local developers and build a robust market for Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) across the country.”he said
The REA remains committed to fostering collaboration, local manufacturing, and innovation to drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition and ensure sustainable power access for all.
Meanwhile, REA is the implementing agency of the Federal Government under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyse economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians. The agency was established under part IX, Sections 88- 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.
The REA is currently implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative NPSSI, Energising Education Programme (EEP), Energising Economies Initiative (EEI), Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP), Energy for All – Mass Rural Electrification,
Research and Innovation Hub. Africa Mini Grids Programme (AMP), Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions (DSOLS), the Korean Energy Project, Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development And Transportation (e-HEART) and the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP).
The Agency is also responsible for creating an enabling environment for private sector-led projects, which includes conducting feasibility assessments, energy audits, enumeration, data analysis, identification of qualified private sector developers, and project stakeholder engagements.
