The federal government has announced plans to halt the importation of solar panels as part of efforts to enhance local production and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji revealed this during the recent unveiling of the NEV T6 electric buses in Abuja. He stated that the decision aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which aims to promote local content in science, engineering, and technology.
Nnaji emphasized that Nigeria has been making significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and possesses the capacity to meet its solar energy demands through local production. He highlighted the role of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in driving domestic solar panel manufacturing.
He also projected that as local production expands, more Nigerian homes and institutions will transition to off-grid solar power solutions.
“We have an abundance of lithium in Nigeria, and Mr. President is already taking steps to add value to our raw materials,” Nnaji stated. “The lithium we have will be processed and used for batteries in electric vehicles.”
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s power challenges and its impact on electric vehicle adoption, the minister clarified:
“We have power; it depends on the source. Our budgets now include mini-grids across the country. In the next three to four months, hospitals and institutions will begin running on solar power. We are investing in non-carbon emission infrastructure to create sustainable power solutions.”
He further emphasized that Nigeria is moving away from diesel and petrol-powered electricity generation in favour of environmentally friendly alternatives.
“With NASENI and private investors already producing solar panels locally, we no longer need imports. Through science and technology, and in line with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, we will put an end to solar panel importation,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local industries, predicting that more households will go off-grid soon. “I’ve been off-grid for over three years, and it works,” he concluded.
