In a landmark move to accelerate clean energy access, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced plans to build Nigeria’s first floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant—an 8MW facility—to power Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The announcement came during the Lagos State Energy Summit held on Monday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was accompanied by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA and Lagos State Government to expand renewable energy access in public institutions through rooftop solar installations.
The initiative is part of REA’s State-by-State Initiative and aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of decentralizing electricity access under the 2023 Electricity Act. With over four million diesel generators currently in use across Lagos, the project aims to replace fragmented and polluting power sources with sustainable alternatives.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—highlighted the urgency of the partnership:
“We have excess power generation, but it’s misdirected and not evenly distributed. This collaboration with REA will help bridge that gap.”
REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Aliyu, also revealed several transformative initiatives in the pipeline, including:
- The construction of Nigeria’s first 8MW floating solar plant for LASU
- A $150 million lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone
- The establishment of a Renewable Energy University to support skills development and innovation
Aliyu noted that these efforts would also support the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) and the World Bank-backed Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme. Both are geared towards empowering local developers and expanding the market for Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs).
“The REA remains committed to collaboration, local manufacturing, and innovation in driving Nigeria’s clean energy transition and ensuring sustainable power access for all,” he added.
The LASU floating solar plant is expected to be a pioneering model for sustainable campus electrification in Nigeria, marking a bold step in the country’s renewable energy roadmap.
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