In a fresh move to grow local industry and save the nation money, the Federal Government has announced plans to stop the importation of solar panels into Nigeria. This bold step comes after over ₦200 billion has been spent on importing photovoltaic (PV) panels into the country.
Rather than focusing on the usual talk of energy solutions, the government is now shifting attention to building solar technology within Nigeria, starting with Lagos.
At a roundtable discussion held in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, emphasized the need for local production of solar panels. He said this step will not only save the country billions but also create jobs and boost technology in Nigeria.
“We’re spending too much money importing solar panels,” Aliyu said. “It’s time to start making them here at home. Lagos will lead the way.”
Aliyu revealed that Lagos already hosts a solar panel assembly plant in Ikotun, which started with a 10-megawatt capacity. Thanks to new partnerships, the plant has now grown to a 100-megawatt capacity. This is just one of the signs that local production is possible — and growing.
In addition, he said the REA is preparing to sign a $150 million deal with Green World to set up a lithium battery plant in Lagos, which will further support solar power efforts.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA and the Lagos State Government to extend electricity to rural parts of the state — a move that will benefit thousands of residents.
Lagos is seen as the ideal launchpad for this new focus on local solar manufacturing because of its resources, infrastructure, and leadership in innovation.
Backing this plan, the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, also spoke recently about the need to support local companies. He mentioned that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has already begun producing solar panels in Nigeria.
However, not everyone is fully on board. The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has warned that any sudden ban on solar imports could hurt the industry. They argue that many Nigerians currently rely on imported solar products to power homes, schools, and hospitals, especially in areas where electricity is unstable or unavailable.
“Solar energy is helping millions of Nigerians today,” REAN said. “If we ban imports too quickly, without making sure our local production can meet the demand, we risk setting the sector back.”
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Still, the federal government seems focused on a future where Nigeria not only uses renewable energy but also builds the tools that power it.
