The Federal Government has ruled out an immediate ban on solar panel imports, saying it will prioritize product quality while working to expand local manufacturing capacity.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, disclosed this on Friday, explaining that Nigeria could not ban imported panels before developing sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand.
He said the government would ensure that solar panels sold in the country meet required standards, whether locally manufactured or imported from reliable sources.
The decision comes amid concerns that restricting imports prematurely could increase solar equipment prices, disrupt supplies and slow Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
Data from energy think tank Ember, based on Chinese customs records, showed that China exported 2.4 gigawatts of solar panels to Nigeria in the 12 months to August 2026, valued at $269m.
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has backed local manufacturing but warned that domestic producers are not yet equipped to meet the country’s demand in terms of volume and price.
Its president, Ayo Ademilua, said an immediate ban could raise costs, delay projects and undermine progress in expanding access to solar power.
Other energy stakeholders, including the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation and the Secure Energy Project, have also called for a long-term policy that supports local manufacturers without making solar power unaffordable.
The debate dates back to March 2025, when former minister Uche Nnaji proposed restricting solar panel imports to encourage domestic production. The proposal sparked concerns over Nigeria’s limited manufacturing capacity and the potential impact on consumers.
In August 2026, stakeholders renewed calls for a phased transition, supported by clear targets, investment incentives and a national renewable energy roadmap.
The latest decision signals the government’s intention to balance industrial development with access to affordable clean energy, as households and businesses increasingly turn to solar power to reduce their dependence on unreliable grid electricity and costly generators.
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