In a major stride toward advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy goals, Bayelsa State on Tuesday signed a significant agreement with the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and J Marine Logistics Limited for the establishment of a solar panel manufacturing plant in the state.
The tripartite agreement was formalised at the 2025 Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF), held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The event, which drew key stakeholders in the power and energy sector, was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as well as the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, signed on behalf of the state government, while Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chairman of the Dubai-based Jampur Group which owns J Marine Logistics signed for the company.
Jampur Group is no stranger to Bayelsa, having previously supplied the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbines.
Under the terms of the agreement, J Marine Logistics would wholly finance, construct, and operate a 100-megawatt renewable energy plant dedicated to the manufacturing of solar panels.
The company is expected to bring in the necessary technical expertise, financial investment, and global best practices required to establish and maintain a high-efficiency solar module production facility.
Bayelsa was selected as the host state for the project due to its growing reputation as a strategic industrial hub, supported by favorable logistics, existing infrastructure, and a developing skilled workforce.
According to officials, the location offers an ideal environment for such a large-scale renewable energy investment.
In support of the project, the Bayelsa State Government has committed to providing suitable land for the facility, as well as all necessary planning and construction permits.
The government would also grant tax incentives and facilitate access to critical infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and power evacuation systems.
In addition, the state has pledged to ensure adequate security around the project site.
Speaking at the event, Governor Diri described the agreement as a “milestone moment” for Bayelsa and a testament to the state’s growing relevance in Nigeria’s industrial and energy development landscape.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to sustainable development and our readiness to attract and support high-impact investments.
“The solar panel factory will not only contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition but will also create jobs and open up new economic opportunities for our people, ” he said.
Chairman of Jampur Group, Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, noted that the company was proud to be part of Nigeria’s renewable energy transformation.
“We are confident that this plant will serve as a model for local content development, innovation, and clean energy manufacturing across West Africa,” he said.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu emphasised the importance of private-public partnerships in accelerating the country’s renewable energy goals, noting that the Bayelsa solar initiative is aligned with the federal government’s Electrification Roadmap.
The project is expected to commence immediately, with construction set to begin within the next few months.
Once completed, the facility is projected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar panels and contribute to the country’s energy mix through clean, locally produced technology.
