Assessment of Indigenous Steel Fabrication Capacity for Renewable Energy Infrastructure in Nigeria’s North Central Zone

This study assesses the capacity of indigenous steel fabrication enterprises in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone to supply structural components and towers for renewable energy installations, particularly wind and solar energy projects. Government and private sector investment in renewable energy infrastructure is expanding, and the local content provisions under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act create a policy driver for developing domestic fabrication supply chains for this sector. The study employs a capacity assessment methodology combining structured questionnaires administered to 18 steel fabrication enterprises in Abuja, Niger, and Benue States, site visits to selected facilities, and interviews with project procurement officers at three renewable energy development companies. The assessment evaluates equipment capability, certified welding personnel, quality management systems, design and drawing capabilities, material procurement supply chains, and previous project experience. Findings reveal that the majority of assessed fabricators have structural welding and fabrication capability adequate for solar panel mounting structures and small turbine platforms, but lack the heavy plate welding, precision dimensional control, and certified quality documentation required for large wind turbine towers. Investment gaps are primarily in certified welding inspectors, automated welding equipment, and post-weld heat treatment capability. Keywords: steel fabrication, renewable energy, local content, North Central Nigeria, capacity assessment.