Nigeria Launches 100 MW Solar Tender

Nigeria Opens 100 MW Solar Tender – Key Facts

Nigeria’s federal government has announced a competitive tender for a 100 MW solar power plant in Maikunkele, Niger State, with pre‑qualification closing on 13 October 2024. The project is split into two lots – one for the construction and installation of the solar plant and another for grid‑interconnection works – and the bid invitation is slated for January 2027.

The tender documents can be purchased for NGN 250,000 (≈ $200) and must be submitted by post. The government plans to tap financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to fund the development, allocating part of the loan to cover tender payments.

Project Structure and Timeline

The 100 MW project is divided into two distinct lots. Lot 1 covers the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the solar farm, including panel installation, inverters, and balance‑of‑system equipment. Lot 2 focuses on the civil works needed to connect the plant to the national grid, such as substation upgrades and transmission lines.

The contract will set the delivery schedule in accordance with the tender documents.

Financing and International Support

Nigeria has formally applied to the Islamic Development Bank for project financing, a move that signals multilateral interest in the country’s renewable‑energy expansion. The IsDB’s involvement is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the tender to regional and international developers.

According to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), Nigeria already operates about 4.9 GW of solar capacity, with an additional 188 MW under construction. The new 100 MW plant would increase the nation’s operational solar base by roughly 2 % and help diversify its energy mix away from diesel‑generated power.

Nigeria’s Solar Landscape – Current Capacity

AFSIA’s online database lists 4.9 GW of operational solar in Nigeria and 188 MW under construction as of 2024. Nigeria’s solar capacity continues to expand, supported by a range of policies aimed at encouraging clean‑energy development.

The Niger State Solar Energy Development Project, of which this tender is a part, aims to create a regional hub that can supply clean electricity to both industrial zones and nearby rural communities.

What it means for Israel

For Israeli investors, the Nigerian tender illustrates the expanding appetite for large‑scale solar in emerging markets. Using Israel’s typical residential tariff of ₪0.48/kWh and a central‑region yield of 1,700 kWh/kWp · year, a 100 MW (100,000 kWp) plant would generate roughly 170 GWh annually. At the Israeli residential rate, that energy would be worth about ₪81.6 million per year.

If a comparable 100 MW plant were built in Israel at the average turnkey cost of ₪2,200/kWp for commercial projects, the capital outlay would be ₪220 million. With a simple payback of just under 2.7 years (ignoring financing costs), the economics are highly attractive – a useful benchmark for Israeli firms considering joint‑ventures or equipment‑supply contracts in Nigeria.

For a quick, customized ROI estimate, Israeli readers can use our solar ROI calculator and compare regional yields on our market data page.

Outlook and Opportunities

The tender’s January 2027 invitation date gives developers roughly two years to assemble consortia, secure financing, and submit detailed proposals. Given the IsDB’s backing, the project is likely to attract a mix of African EPC firms and international investors.

If awarded, the 100 MW plant will contribute to Nigeria’s renewable‑energy objectives and may create local jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. It signals a broader trend: African nations are increasingly turning to large‑scale solar to meet rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions.

Stay tuned for the bid results in early 2027 and watch how this flagship project shapes the region’s clean‑energy future.