The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that its proposed ban on imported photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will not take immediate effect, as domestic manufacturing capacity remains insufficient to meet national energy demands.
In a recent statement, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), explained that while Nigeria has begun producing solar panels locally, current output falls significantly short of requirements needed to achieve universal energy access across the country.
“We are not banning solar importation for now. We are incentivising our own local manufacturing for us to take over. But for now, we do not have the capacity to address the needs of the country,” Aliyu stated in an interview.
The clarification comes after Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji had previously announced plans to restrict solar panel imports while promoting domestic production through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Nnaji had stated, “With NASENI here, you know that we have panels. It has a factory that has started producing solar panels, and other private individuals are also producing solar panels as we speak.”
According to REA estimates, Nigeria has spent over N200 billion on PV panel imports. During a roundtable discussion with the Lagos State Government, Aliyu emphasised ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria into a manufacturer of renewable energy equipment rather than remaining solely dependent on imports.
The government is now focusing on building domestic capacity before implementing any import restrictions. Aliyu detailed several initiatives underway, including the development of nearly 600 megawatts of PV panel manufacturing capacity and discussions regarding a lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos. Additionally, negotiations are proceeding with an oil and gas company interested in establishing a 14-stage manufacturing facility for lithium batteries.
The phased approach aims to balance Nigeria’s immediate energy needs with long-term goals of energy independence and industrial development in the renewable sector.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
