Jigawa State’s Plan to Establish a Jigawa solar panel factory in 2026
In a significant move to champion renewable energy and drive local industrialization, Nigeria’s Jigawa State has announced ambitious plans to establish a 100-megawatt (MW) solar panel assembly factory. The project, slated to commence construction in the second quarter of 2026, positions the northern state as a potential leader in West Africa’s burgeoning green energy manufacturing sector.
Announced by Governor Umar Namadi, this initiative is a strategic effort to reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported solar components, create thousands of jobs, and accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy.
Project at a Glance: Powering the Future with Jigawa solar panel factory
The planned facility is more than just a factory; it’s a cornerstone of Jigawa’s Green Energy Roadmap. Here are the key details of this landmark project:
- Capacity and Scale: The factory will have an initial annual assembly capacity of 100 MW. It is designed to be scalable, allowing for future expansion to meet growing demand. The focus will be on producing mid-to-large-scale photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for everything from utility-scale solar farms to commercial and off-grid power systems.
- Strategic Location: The facility will be located in the Dutse Industrial Park. This site was chosen for its strategic advantages, including proximity to the solar-rich northern regions and access to the Kano-Maradi rail corridor, which is crucial for logistics and distribution.
- Ambitious Timeline: With construction set to begin in Q2 2026, the state aims to have the factory fully operational by the fourth quarter of the same year.
A Collaborative Push: Investment and Partnerships for Jigawa solar panel factory
The project, estimated to cost between ₦50 billion and ₦70 billion (approximately $30-45 million USD), is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP). The Jigawa State Government is contributing 40% of the funding, with the remaining investment sourced from private partners and potential federal incentives under Nigeria’s Solar Power Naija program.
Several key partners are collaborating to bring this vision to life:
- Technology and Equipment: A leading Chinese technology firm will provide essential technology transfer and supply the necessary assembly equipment, ensuring the factory meets international standards.
- Local Content Development: The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is involved to enforce local content policies, mandating that at least 70% of the workforce be sourced locally.
- Financial Backing: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has shown interest in providing potential concessional financing, underscoring the project’s regional importance.
- Regulatory Support: The Jigawa Investment Promotion Agency is facilitating the regulatory processes to ensure a smooth and timely project rollout.
Economic and Social Transformation through Jigawa solar panel factory
The impact of this factory is expected to extend far beyond energy generation. It promises significant socio-economic benefits for Jigawa State and the nation.
Nigeria currently imports over 95% of its solar panels, an industry valued at over $500 million annually, according to 2025 data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This new factory could capture 10-15% of that domestic market, localizing a critical part of the value chain.
Key impacts include:
- Massive Job Creation: The project is projected to create 1,500 direct jobs for skilled technicians and engineers and an additional 5,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain. This will provide a major employment boost for youth in Jigawa’s 27 local government areas.
- Local Sourcing and Cost Reduction: A primary goal is to source 60% of raw materials—such as glass, aluminum frames, and EVA encapsulants—locally. This strategy is expected to reduce the final cost of solar panels by 20-30% compared to imported equivalents, making solar energy more affordable for Nigerians.
- Aligning with National Goals: The initiative directly supports Nigeria’s ambitious 30:30:30 vision, which aims to generate 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30% coming from renewable sources. It also aligns with Jigawa’s own goal of installing 500 MW of solar capacity by 2028.
The Road Ahead for the new Jigawa solar panel factory
While the project holds immense promise, stakeholders acknowledge potential challenges, including the need for a highly skilled workforce, navigating foreign exchange volatility for imported machinery, and ensuring seamless grid integration for the power generated by its future panels.
The next steps are already in motion. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is expected to be approved by March 2026, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for April.
As Governor Namadi confirmed during the Jigawa State Executive Council meeting on January 28, 2026, this factory is a testament to the state’s commitment to building a sustainable and prosperous future. By harnessing its high solar irradiance, which averages an ideal 5.5-6.5 kWh/m²/day, Jigawa is not just assembling solar panels—it is assembling the future of clean energy in Nigeria.
