Nigeria has spent over N200 billion on importing solar panels, according to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). This significant expenditure underscores the country’s heavy reliance on foreign solar technology, which not only inflates costs but also hampers the growth of the renewable energy sector. The financial burden of these imports is compounded by challenges such as delayed project timelines and quality control issues, as imported panels may not always meet Nigeria’s environmental conditions.
In recent months, Nigeria imported solar panels worth N237.3 billion, reflecting a continued trend of high importation costs. This dependency on foreign imports has sparked calls for a shift towards local manufacturing to reduce procurement costs, improve delivery times, and create jobs. Indigenous companies like LPV Technologies are advocating for a zero-import policy to boost domestic production, emphasizing the need for government support through policies such as tax incentives and duty-free importation of raw materials.
The Nigerian government has proposed banning solar panel imports to drive local production, aiming to enhance energy independence and stimulate economic growth. However, critics argue that such a ban could worsen energy access and increase costs for consumers, given the current lack of domestic production capacity. Addressing these challenges requires strategic investments in local manufacturing infrastructure and policy reforms to support the growth of Nigeria’s solar energy sector.
