In a ground-breaking move to improve clean energy access in Lagos State, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has unveiled plans to install an 8 megawatt (MW) floating solar power plant at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. This will be Nigeria’s first floating solar PV system and is aimed at boosting sustainable energy generation while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The project was announced during the Lagos State Energy Summit held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, on Monday, and is part of a broader agreement between REA and the Lagos State Government to scale up access to renewable energy in the state. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the summit to seal the collaboration.
The agreement is a key part of REA’s State-by-State Initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to improving electricity access nationwide, especially through the implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act. This Act encourages decentralised energy solutions and enables states to independently develop electricity projects.
One of the primary goals of the partnership is to reduce the use of the estimated four million diesel generators currently operating in Lagos. These generators are widely used to make up for gaps in power supply but contribute to air pollution and high fuel costs.
Speaking at the summit, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy.
“We have excess power generation in Nigeria, but it’s misdirected and not evenly distributed. This collaboration with REA will help bridge that gap and bring more efficient energy to our institutions and communities,” Hamzat said.
The floating solar plant at LASU is just one component of a broader clean energy strategy to be implemented across the state.
REA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abba Aliyu, also shared ambitious plans for new energy infrastructure in Lagos.
Among the key announcements was the planned establishment of a $150 million lithium battery assembly plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The plant is expected to support the local storage of solar energy and enhance the reliability of off-grid and mini-grid power systems.
Aliyu also disclosed plans for a Renewable Energy University, which will provide training and technical skills to Nigerian youth in the areas of solar energy, battery technology, and grid integration. This initiative aims to reduce dependency on foreign expertise and empower local professionals.
“These projects are about more than electricity. They are about jobs, innovation, and ensuring that Nigerian solutions solve Nigerian problems,” Aliyu said.
The partnership will also support national-level initiatives like the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme. These programmes are backed by international partners, including the World Bank, and are geared toward improving energy access in underserved communities.
The NPSSI focuses on solarising public buildings like hospitals, schools, and government offices, while the DARES programme aims to expand solar energy in rural areas using a market-driven approach.
Aliyu stressed that the REA’s focus is to foster local manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He said the agency is committed to helping Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) scale their operations and serve both urban and rural communities.
The floating solar plant to be built at LASU will not only serve the university’s energy needs but also act as a model for future solar projects across the country. Floating solar systems, which are installed on water bodies such as lakes or dams, are gaining popularity globally due to their ability to conserve land space and reduce water evaporation.
In Nigeria, where land is often contested and densely occupied in urban centres like Lagos, floating solar provides a practical solution to clean energy expansion.
The Lagos State Government has already begun implementing rooftop solar systems in select public buildings and has committed to creating a more investment-friendly environment for renewable energy developers.
The success of this new initiative depends heavily on collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. The REA emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and promised to work closely with all partners to ensure smooth execution of the project.
The Lagos State Energy Summit served as a platform for government officials, energy experts, and private investors to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. With rising fuel prices and ongoing concerns about climate change, many speakers at the summit stressed the need to move away from carbon-heavy energy sources.
