Oando Clean Energy and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 1.2-gigawatt (GW) solar project.

A release issued by OandO on Wednesday said the project is aimed at providing electricity for millions of Nigerians.

When completed, the project will be Nigeria’s Largest Solar Power Project, and will contribute significantly to the country’s move towards sustainable energy.

The REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abubakar Abba Aliyu, described it as a “game-changer“, and noted that it would boost Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, enhance electricity access, and create jobs through local manufacturing.

“This collaboration is a game-changer, not just in expanding access to electricity but in positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub,” Aliyu stated during the MOU signing ceremony.

On his part, the President & CEO of Oando Clean Energy, Ademola Ogunbanjo, emphasised the project’s innovation.

He noted that it will feature Africa’s first solar module assembly plant with a recycling line, ensuring that old and dysfunctional solar panels are repurposed into raw materials for various uses.

The first phase of the project, a 600MW solar power rollout, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

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“This is Africa’s first solar module assembly plant with a recycling line that will see old and dysfunctional solar panels recycled into raw materials for various purposes,” he said.

The initiative is expected to drive solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure expansion, enhance local manufacturing capacity, and improve energy accessibility across the country.

The leadership of OandO has expressed commitment to carbon capture and energy transmission but it advocates a “just energy transition”

According to the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, the deployment of EVs for public transportation is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to adopting cleaner energy solutions as part of its ‘just’ energy transition drive.