The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), in collaboration with a subsidiary of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd, LONGi Solar France SARL, has facilitated an agreement for the supply of a 2,600 megawatt solar modular master.
A statement by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the partnership marks one of the largest solar procurement deals in sub-Saharan African history.
When completed, the solar modules will power Nigeria’s visionary Green Hydrogen Hub Project, strategically located in the Liberty Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone in Akwa Ibom State.
The facility aims to anchor Nigeria’s entry into the global green hydrogen value chain, leveraging the country’s vast solar resources and positioning it as a regional hub for clean energy production.
“This project is a beacon of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to innovation, climate responsibility, and economic transformation, It is not just a solar deal — it is an industrial leap that connects Nigeria to the future of global energy.
“A New Frontier for Africa’s Largest Economy The 2,600MW solar buildout brings Nigeria to within striking distance of the Midong Solar Park in China, currently the world’s largest operational solar power plant at 3,500MW.
“This bold move catapults Nigeria into the top tier of global solar energy players — a status that will have lasting implications for energy access, industrialization, and climate leadership on the continent. When operational, the hub will power green hydrogen production at industrial scale, fueling exports, local manufacturing, and clean mobility — particularly in marine and heavy transport sectors,” he wrote.
He explained that the initiative could generate over 20,000 direct jobs, offering opportunities in engineering, logistics, R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance across Nigeria.
The Chinese renewable firm currently holds the world record for solar PV efficiency, with its silicon-perovskite tandem cells achieving a certified 34.6% conversion efficiency — a global benchmark that places it at the cutting edge of solar innovation.
“Deploying LONGi’s high-efficiency modules in Nigeria’s hot, humid climate means more energy yield per square meter and faster return on investment,” said Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Director General & Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
“This is precision technology meeting raw African potential — the synergy is transformative.” Green Economy, Blue Opportunity Beyond solar power, the Liberty Free Trade Zone’s green hydrogen strategy will connect to Nigeria’s blue economy — integrating with innovative maritime logistics, offshore oil transitions, and the production of 500 metric tonnes per day of Green Medical Oxygen, directly supporting the Federal Government’s national policy on oxygen supply and substantially boosting Nigeria’s healthcare capacity.
Engineer Idare Ekpo, the Chief Visionary Officer of APPL noted, “This project is the dawn of a new industrial revolution in Nigeria — one powered not by oil, but by innovation, sunlight, and green molecules.
“It is the clearest signal yet that Nigeria is not just catching up, but stepping forward as a global clean energy leader.”
