By Amechi Obiakpu
About 400 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created by Tranos, in its proposed manufacturing facility. This is in addition to other benefits that include; making available locally produced PV panels and associated materials- for people building solar power plants to achieve their target; less dependent on importation, economic development and many other investment opportunities.
Tranos, a leading African engineering and manufacturing solutions provider, made the announcement at a ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday at Aiyetoro, Ogun State, location of the project.
The facility is expected to be commissioned in 2026, according to the company.
The project when completed will feature cutting edge facilities that will include; an 800 MW/year Solar PV panel production line, an expanded gas generator assembly plant, cable management systems manufacturing, advanced power distribution panel production and increased output of gaskets, enclosures, and racking systems among others.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Jude Abalaka, CEO of Tranos said the facility will boost the country’s economy and drive industrial innovation across the continent.
Abalaka noted that most of the PV panels being used in Nigeria are imported at present however, all that will change once the facility becomes functional.
“We are going to start manufacturing enough to supply the entire Nigerian market and we have some spare to export. That will mean that it becomes easier for people building solar power plants to achieve their target- without waiting for months for their panel to come in. We also study the market and improve the products to fit what we use locally in Nigeria.
“Also, in terms of job creation, currently, as a company we employ about 160 people, with what we are doing now, we are going to quadruple that number because by the time we are done, possibly in the next 24 months, we are going to be engaging about 400 people – that’s a lot in terms of direct and indirect benefits. Don’t forget, there will be suppliers, benefits to the local area, the community and all- already, we are fixing the road- to make the place assessable,” he said.
“This facility is significant to us because it is where we are practically building the future. What we typically do is we design and manufacture products usually for various industries- oil and gas, telecoms, power and because we design and manufacture, we have the flexibility of coming out with new products.
“Currently, part of what we are breaking ground with is 800 MW solar power manufacturing line, which is going to complement some of our other products that include renewable energy, already we produce power distribution panel, gas generators, bracket for installing and mounting TV panels, now we are adding a large factory to making the PV panels themselves. We are not going to stop at that, like I said, this is the future,” he affirmed.
Abalaka added that, as things unfold in the next 18 or 22 months, Tranos will be announcing other new products.
Giving specific details on the shape the facility will take Abalaka said, “We are going to have two lines, one will up and running in about 15/18 months, that line will produce PV panels of 400 MW per annum meaning 400 MW of PV panels will be added every year”.
“The first phase will include a modern production floor and offices, with automation and Industry 4.0 features.
“The facility will protect existing jobs and generate hundreds of new roles, from engineers and technicians to production and administrative staff” Abalaka said.
The event pulled business leaders, captains of industries, top government functionaries, royal fathers and the media.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Energy believes that the project will boost not just the economy of the state but the continent at large.
“We have a focus in Ogun State to try to improve energy delivery to the people that need it the most. So we are talking specifically primary healthcare delivery, numerous healthcare facilities, tertiary institutions, we believe anywhere the people are and need power should be able to assess it.
“This project is a great addition to the vision that the state aims to achieve in terms of power solution and His Excellency the governor thanks the Tranos team and the management and we look forward to coming for the opening in 2026,” he said.
Corroborating the governor, George Onafowokan MD, Coleman Cables and Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State chapter said the decision of Tranos to establish its operation in Ogun state validates the reality that the state is a preferred destination for both old and international investors.
Speaking in his goodwill remark he emphasized that power occupies 40% of any investment and any organization that invests in the sector is really desirous of growth.
“Between the government and the private sector, the direction is getting renewable power, sustainable power- Independent Power generation, gas, Solar are all coming up- invariably, we have literally deregulated power today. It changes the schematics- and really its for regulators which they have done-rightly to make the enabling factors- that power becomes a solution that is driven by the private sectors and that is what you are seeing now- private sector manufacturers investing in the components”.
Onafowokan noted that, MAN is particularly excited by the prospect of this new venture which signifies growth, job creation, knowledge transfer and enhance value addition which are some of the elements crucial in building a resilient and self-sustaining economy which according to him aligns with the association in deepening industrialization, strengthening local content, fostering inclusive prosperity.
“We commend Tranos for taking this bold step and believing in the potential of the state. We also acknowledge the government of Ogun State for continuing to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through infrastructural policy and support system that encourages industrial growth,” he said, adding that, as partners in progress, MAN is committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable development, innovation and responsible manufacturing practices.
“We look forward to seeing this project come to live and to the positive impact undoubtedly it will make in the lives of our people and the good for the local economy”.
On his part, President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Ayo Ademilua, who was represented by Engr. Kayode Odukoya, CEO Treffen Renewable Energy Investment Ltd, said the decision to domesticate the manufacturing of critical components like solar PV panels, cable trays, enclosures, and other energy infrastructure speaks directly to four national priorities: energy security, energy independence, local content indigenous manufacturing, and industrial resilience.
“With this facility, a meaningful reduction in Nigeria’s overdependence on imported renewable energy solutions and an increase in our local value chain participation will ensue.
“REAN remains committed to supporting companies like Tranos, who are walking the talk on industrial development. Together, we can drive Nigeria’s clean energy revolution, not from abroad, but from our very own national geography and soil, he said.
According to Tranos, the facility will be sitting on a campus span of 15.744 hectares (157,440 sqm), providing ample space for current operations and future expansion and a comprehensive Campus: designed to centralize all manufacturing disciplines, from raw-material processing to R&D, while fostering creativity, innovation, and high-performance work environments for employees.
