The federal government has announced plans to ban the importation of solar panels as part of efforts to promote local production and drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science and Technology disclosed this during the unveiling of the NEV T6 electric buses in Abuja.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which aims to promote local content in science, engineering, and technology.
“Nigeria is already making substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
“The country has the capacity to meet its solar energy demands domestically, with organizations like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) playing a pivotal role in solar panel production.
“The expansion of local solar panel manufacturing would accelerate the transition of Nigerian homes and institutions to off-grid power solutions.
“We have abundant lithium here in Nigeria. The President is already taking action. We are adding value to our raw materials. The lithium we have will be processed and used to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles,” Nnaji said.
On electric vehicles, the minister clarified: “We have power, but it depends on the source. Today, if you look at our budgets, we are setting up mini-grids across the country. In the next three to four months, you will start seeing our hospitals and institutions powered by solar energy. We are also contributing to environmental preservation by implementing non-carbon emission infrastructure. So, we are generating power everywhere.”
“It’s not about relying on diesel or petrol-based energy, nor is it about producing power that pollutes the environment. With NASENI, we already have a factory producing solar panels, and many private individuals are also manufacturing them. Through science and technology, and backed by Presidential Executive Order No. 5, we will eliminate the importation of solar panels.
“We are committed to supporting local industries to grow. Very soon, most households will be off-grid. Personally, I’ve been off-grid for over three years, and
it’s working.”
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