Article Date: 23 January 2026
Nigeria has launched its first floating solar power project, awarding a 7-megawatt facility to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The project, awarded by the Rural Electrification Agency, will be installed on lagoon waters surrounding the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The floating solar installation aims to provide reliable and clean electricity to one of Nigeria’s largest public universities, reducing reliance on diesel generators and easing strain on the national grid. UNILAG has faced sharply rising electricity costs, with monthly grid bills reportedly doubling after tariff changes, leading to significant financial pressure and periodic disconnections.
Floating solar technology allows energy generation on water surfaces, preserving land while benefiting from cooling effects that improve panel efficiency.
As solar investments expand across Africa — including in Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa — Nigeria’s first floating solar plant could serve as a scalable model for universities, industrial zones and coastal cities. With abundant sunlight and extensive water bodies, the country is well positioned to expand floating solar capacity in the coming years.
Source: Business Insider Africa