By Moses Patience Chat
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, has revealed that Nigeria is set to build its first solar cell production plant at Gora in Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa State.
The Executive Vice Chairman disclosed this on Thursday where he stated that Nigeria will now have alternative source of electricity supply with the establishment of the new solar-cell production plant.
“With the establishment of the Plant Nigeria will now have a complete solar energy production plant. With an already existing NASENI 7.5-megawatts Solar Panel Production Plant in Karshi, Abuja, Nigeria will be producing 100% local content solar panels that will be an alternative source of power generation to ease the burden on national grid,” he said.
He further explained that the directive to build the plant was from President Muhammadu Buhari, who directed the Agency to ensure local production of solar cells that will increase electricity generation in the country. He added that In an attempt to carry out the directive, NASENI acquired 15.8 hectares of land in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to start the establishment of the plant in Nigeria.
The NASENI boss further disclosed that the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo will be the special guest of honour at the foundation-laying ceremony of the solar cell production plant.
Haruna also stated that the plant will become one of the largest solar cell production plants in Africa when it begins full operation, adding that the plant in Gora means Nigeria will go into full production of local content in the manufacturing of solar panels and other electronic materials.