Nigeria Considers Reducing Solar Panel Imports, But No Official Ban Announced

In recent days, rumors have circulated across the renewable energy industry about a potential full ban on solar panel imports in Nigeria. While these reports sparked widespread concern, there has been no official government confirmation of such a ban.

According to a report published by The Punch on April 15, 2025, the Nigerian federal government has expressed a clear intention to reduce solar panel imports, but no comprehensive ban has been enacted at this time.

Speaking at a roundtable meeting with the Lagos State Government on Victoria Island, Abba Aliyu, Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), revealed that Nigeria has spent over ₦200 billion on photovoltaic (PV) imports to date. REA is now actively working to promote the local manufacturing of renewable energy equipment in order to reduce reliance on imports.

“We are working to change the current narrative by encouraging local production,” Aliyu said. “As a leading city, Lagos is expected to play a key role in this transformation.”

Aliyu highlighted that a previously underutilized PV module assembly plant in Ikotun, Lagos, has increased its production capacity from 10 MW to 100 MW with support from REA. He also disclosed that REA is negotiating a joint venture with Green World for the development of a lithium battery assembly facility, with a planned investment of $150 million.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, affirmed that the government will leverage Presidential Executive Order No. 5 to support domestic manufacturing and gradually restrict imports. He noted that NASENI, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, has begun local solar panel production, with additional private enterprises following suit.

However, the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has raised concerns about the policy direction. The association emphasized that solar energy remains a vital power source for millions of Nigerians who are not connected to the national grid. Any premature restrictions on imports, they warn, could negatively affect the industry’s growth and the accessibility of solar energy.

“Solar is essential for households, schools, hospitals, and businesses across Nigeria,” REAN stated. “The sector has attracted significant investment and driven innovation. A hasty ban, before local manufacturing reaches scale, could disrupt the current momentum.”

While the federal government’s intention to boost local production and reduce imports is clear, a total import ban is unlikely in the short term. Current domestic capacity is far from meeting national demand, and solar remains a critical electricity source for many. Balancing industrial growth with practical energy needs will be crucial in shaping a sustainable policy.