Importation of solar panels into Nigeria dropped sharply by 89% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest Foreign Trade Statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The data shows that Nigeria imported ₦125.29 billion worth of solar panels officially termed "photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels" a significant decline from the ₦237.31 billion recorded in the last quarter of 2024.
The sharp drop aligns with the federal government's new policy direction focused on boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports in the renewable energy sector.
Local Manufacturing on the Rise
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, revealed that Nigeria now has a 600-megawatt (MW) solar panel manufacturing capacity, up from just 110MW previously.
Key domestic production facilities include:
LPV – 100MW capacity (Lagos)
JRV – 250MW capacity (Abuja)
OandO – 120MW capacity
GridConnect – 150MW capacity (Idu, Abuja – near completion)
"We're changing the narrative. More than 50 renewable energy service companies are active today, compared to just 10 previously," Aliyu said.
Policy Backing and Presidential Push
In March 2025, the federal government announced plans to halt the importation of solar panels to support local content, in line with Presidential Executive Order No. 5.
Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, affirmed that Nigeria has the technical capacity to produce its own solar panels, highlighting the role of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and other local manufacturers.
He also emphasized the availability of locally sourced lithium, critical for producing solar batteries, noting:
"We are adding value to our raw materials. The lithium we have here will be processed and used as batteries for these vehicles and solar systems."
Towards an Off-Grid Future
As part of the government's clean energy drive, mini-grid solutions are being deployed to power hospitals, schools, and homes, reducing reliance on carbon-heavy energy sources like diesel and PMS.
Minister Nnaji added:
"Personally, I've been off-grid for over three years, and it's working. Most houses in Nigeria will soon follow suit."
Nigeria's dramatic reduction in solar panel imports signals more than just trade contraction it marks a strategic pivot to local production, energy independence, and green infrastructure development. As domestic manufacturing ramps up, the country is poised to become a key player in Africa's renewable energy future.
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