Nigeria imported solar panels worth about ₦242.68 billion between January and June 2025, reflecting the country’s growing appetite for renewable energy despite renewed efforts by the government to strengthen local manufacturing.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Foreign Trade Report, photovoltaic cells—either assembled into modules or made up into panels—ranked among Nigeria’s most imported commodities. Imports were valued at ₦125.29 billion in the first quarter and ₦117.39 billion in the second quarter of the year.
Although demand for solar technology remains high, the total import bill showed a slight slowdown when compared to ₦237.3 billion recorded in just the last quarter of 2024.
Push for Local Production
Authorities have intensified measures to cut reliance on imported panels. The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, revealed that Nigeria’s installed solar module manufacturing capacity has expanded to 600 megawatts—up from 110 megawatts a few years ago.
He cited several operational facilities, including a 100MW plant in Lagos and a 250MW factory in Abuja, as part of the federal push to localise production. Over 50 renewable energy service firms are now active in the country, compared to roughly 10 previously, Aliyu added.
“We are rewriting the story of energy access in Nigeria,” he said, expressing confidence that the nation could soon rely largely on homegrown solar products.
In March, the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, disclosed that plans were underway to issue an executive order restricting solar panel imports to boost domestic manufacturing and support private-sector participation. He noted that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and several private investors have already started production.
“With our abundant lithium reserves, Nigeria is now processing materials for battery production to power homes, hospitals, and schools through clean energy,” Nnaji said.
Experts Urge Caution
However, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) advised the government to tread carefully. Titled “Rethinking Nigeria’s Proposed Solar Panel Import Policy,” the report cautioned that an abrupt import ban could create supply shortages, deter investors, and slow energy-access progress.
PwC instead recommended a gradual three- to five-year reduction in imports while strengthening quality standards and improving conditions for local manufacturers to scale production.
Government Adopts Solar at State House
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has begun implementing its own solar shift with the installation of panels at the State House Conference Centre. Budget documents show that ₦10 billion was allocated in the 2025 budget for a mini-grid project at the Presidential Villa under the initiative “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid.”
The project is expected to reduce the Villa’s dependence on the national grid and cut energy costs amid rising electricity tariffs. The move also highlights the administration’s growing confidence in renewable energy as a viable long-term power alternative.
