Currently, Nigeria has one of the worst energy accesses… A ban on the importation of solar panels… would worsen the country’s energy crisis.
PV MAGAZINE
The Nigerian government is considering a ban on solar panel imports to promote local manufacturing, according to Technology Minister Uche Nnaji. Speaking in an interview last week, Nnaji said the policy would drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition and noted the country’s capacity to meet its solar needs domestically. “We have lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, so Mr. President is already taking action,” he said.
This comes after the Rural Electrification Agency signed a deal for a 1.2 GW solar assembly plant in March and announced plans for another 1 GW facility.
However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise warned the ban could worsen Nigeria’s energy crisis. “A ban on the importation of solar panels… would worsen the country’s energy crisis,” said CEO Muda Yusuf.
He urged the government to offer fiscal incentives instead. Nigeria’s solar capacity stood at 144 MW at the end of 2024, according to IRENA.