With the necessary support of governments at all levels, manufacturers of the Nation have expressed their willingness to fully collaborate with the federal government to grow the economy.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the 800 MW 800 MW solar manufacturing complex in Mowe, Ogun, George Onofowokan, president of the Association of Manufacturers of the Nigeria Association (MAN) Ogun State State, urged the Federal Government to address the challenges faced by manufacturers to make their economic recovery and growth efforts more shocking.
Onofowokan praised the management of bringing us for his decision to establish the solar manufacturing complex of 800 MW in Mowe, state of Ogun. He believes that once completely operational, the plant will significantly alleviate the problems of power that people and companies in the state.
“It is a sign that, with the government that addresses the challenges faced by manufacturers and provide an enabling environment, Nigerian manufacturers are more than ready to support efforts destined to cultivate the economy,” he said.
During the event, Jude Abalaka, Managing Director of Tramos, explained that when it was completed, the new plant will greatly improve the local content policy of the federal government by reducing the dependence of imported solar panels.
“Currently, more than 90 percent of the photovoltaic solar panels (PV) used in Nigeria are imported, which leads to delays and higher costs for solar projects. It has the objective of producing enough panels locally to meet the demand of the entire Nigerian market, with an additional export capacity.
This location is expected to relieve the challenges of the supply chain and facilitate the customization of the appropriate product for local conditions, ”he added.
According to Abalaka, the installation will initially operate a manufacturing line, and the first line is expected to be operational within 15 to 18 months, producing 400 megawatts annually. The complete capacity of 800 megawatts is aimed at its completion by 2027, highlighting its commitment to significantly support Nigeria's renewable energy objectives.
He also mentioned that this expansion will increase employment, and the company projects an increase in its workforce from 160 to approximately 400 employees in two years.
Praiting the initiative, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), described the project as aligned with the federal government's efforts to position Nigeria as a renewable energy center in Africa.