The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to halt the importation of photovoltaic solar panels, which has so far cost Nigeria over N200 billion, and instead boost local production capacity.
According to The PUNCH, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, emphasized the urgent need to domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components.
“We have spent over N200 billion on importing solar panels. While importation has been necessary, our agency is determined to change the narrative by encouraging local production. Lagos, being the centre of excellence, is set to lead the charge in this domestication drive,” Aliyu stated.
The REA and the Lagos State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the meeting aimed at electrifying rural communities across the state. Aliyu noted that significant progress has already been made in setting up local facilities.
“There was a PV panel assembly plant in Ikotun, Lagos, which began with a 10 megawatt capacity. With our collaboration, they have now scaled up to an additional 100 megawatts,” he revealed.
He also disclosed plans for a joint development agreement with Green World to establish a lithium battery assembly plant in Lagos, estimated to attract $150 million in investment.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pledged the Federal Government’s support for indigenous solar panel producers, citing the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 as a tool to limit imports.
“With NASENI already producing panels, and private investors stepping in, we are ready to stop importation and empower local industries through science and technology,” Nnaji said.
However, the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria cautioned against a hasty ban on imports, stressing that solar energy has become essential to bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap.
“Millions of Nigerians depend on solar power for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Without first strengthening local production, banning imports could jeopardize the sector’s progress,” REAN warned.
The government’s push toward self-sufficiency in renewable energy aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependency on foreign products and create job opportunities through industrial growth.
