The federal government has backed away from plans to immediately ban solar panel importation.
Kingsley Udeh, minister of innovation, science and technology, announced the position following concerns from business leaders and renewable energy advocates that an immediate ban could increase costs and undermine access to clean energy.
In an X post on Saturday, Udeh said the government is committed to making solar technology more affordable and accessible across Nigeria.
He said the government is also working to attract global solar technology companies to establish manufacturing operations in the country through technology transfer, skills development and the training of Nigerian professionals.
“At the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, we are working to attract global leaders in solar technology to invest in Nigeria through technology transfer, local manufacturing, skills development and the training of Nigerian professionals,” he said.
“These efforts will strengthen local capacity, create jobs and ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable solar solutions and reliable technical services.”
In an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Friday, Udeh said the government wanted solar panels sold in Nigeria to meet quality standards, whether manufactured locally or imported.
“Soon you will see that we only have in the Nigerian market standard solar panels, either manufactured in Nigeria or imported from reliable sources, and they’re all high standard to ensure that we have energy assets being supported by solar power or renewable energy,” he said.
The latest position marks a shift from the government’s earlier plan to halt solar panel imports to promote domestic manufacturing.
In March 2025, Uche Nnaji, Udeh’s predecessor, announced plans to halt solar panel imports, saying the move would support local industries and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
Nnaji had said the government would use the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and other domestic manufacturers to expand local production.
However, the proposal raised concerns among energy experts and businesses on whether Nigeria had sufficient manufacturing capacity to replace imported panels without disrupting the market.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS WARNED AGAINST IMPORT BAN
In an interview with TheCable in May 2025, Deborah Fadeyi, an energy and sustainability expert and founder of Vectar Energy, warned that banning solar panel imports before expanding local production could increase prices, threaten businesses and make clean energy less accessible.
Fadeyi said Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing capacity is inadequate, arguing that restricting imports could undermine the country’s efforts to expand solar power.
“Nigeria needs to expand its solar capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030, yet the only operational manufacturing plant in Lagos produces less than 20 megawatts — barely a fraction of what’s needed,” she said.
She warned that an import ban could push up prices, encourage black-market alternatives and destabilise the renewable energy sector.
Fadeyi also said local manufacturing faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited research capacity and unreliable electricity supply.
She called for strategic international partnerships, investment in local capacity and gradual support for domestic manufacturing instead of abrupt import restrictions.
“Pause the ban and start with proper stakeholder consultation,” she said.
“Yes, support local manufacturing. But do it gradually, with the right incentives, infrastructure, and planning. Most importantly, don’t dismantle what is already working in the name of building something that is not ready.”
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise also warned in April 2025 that a ban could worsen Nigeria’s electricity access challenges by making solar solutions more expensive for households and businesses.
The group called on the government to prioritise incentives for local manufacturers and ensure sufficient domestic production before considering import restrictions.
NIGERIA’S RELIANCE ON IMPORTED SOLAR PANELS
Nigeria continues to rely heavily on imported solar equipment to meet demand from households and businesses seeking alternatives to unreliable grid electricity.
An Ember report said 94 percent of solar panels installed across Africa were imported from China, underscoring the continent’s dependence on external manufacturing despite the rapid expansion of its solar market.
The report projected that Nigeria would add 1.7 gigawatts of solar capacity as installations across Africa were expected to reach 17GW in 2026.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs cited by Ember showed that China exported 2.4GW of solar panels to Nigeria in the 12 months to August 2026, with the shipments valued at $269 million.
Ember estimated that generating an equivalent amount of electricity using diesel generators would cost about $980 million annually at prevailing fuel prices.
The figures suggest that solar could save users more than $700 million annually if it fully replaces diesel-generated electricity.
Millions of Nigerians still lack access to electricity, while many connected to the grid experience unreliable supply, leaving households and businesses dependent on generators and off-grid energy solutions.
Udeh said the government’s approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the combination of grid electricity and renewable energy would support industrialisation and expand electricity access.
“Our goal is clear: to build local capacity, encourage investment and ensure that the benefits of solar technology are within the reach of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Renewable energy advocates have welcomed the government’s decision not to impose an immediate ban but say it should publish a clear plan for developing local manufacturing.
They have called for incentives for domestic producers, measurable production targets and a phased transition that would allow local manufacturers to expand capacity without disrupting access to affordable imported panels.

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