Abuja — The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign has commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, for prioritizing local manufacturing before restricting solar panel imports.

The group, in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, GIFSEP, described the decision as sound and forward-looking.

‎The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Co-Convener, Dr. Michael Terungwa David.

The minister had said at a recent media briefing that government will expand domestic production of solar panels and components to achieve self-sufficiency.

‎He said, “You can’t ban importation of solar panels if you do not have manufacturing capabilities in the country.”

Udeh listed measures already underway to boost local production.

He said government is in partnership talks with major solar manufacturers in Turkey, following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit. Memoranda of Understanding are expected soon.

‎He also said government is putting mechanisms in place to block substandard panels from entering the Nigerian market.

‎On skills development, the minister said the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, commissioned last month, is training artisans in solar manufacturing and installation.

‎He added that the Energy Commission of Nigeria is driving the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project to move federal institutions, including universities, off the national grid to solar power.

He said locally made panels will avoid shipping costs and import duties and will be made affordable with government support.

‎The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign said the approach protects energy access for households, businesses and public institutions.

The group said Nigeria’s national grid supplies only 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts for over 200 million people, forcing millions to rely on petrol and diesel generators.

‎It said an abrupt ban on imported panels would have raised prices and worsened energy poverty.

‎The group noted that its advocacy throughout 2026 aligns with the minister’s position.

‎It recalled that at an April media training in Abuja, stakeholders warned that an outright ban could worsen energy poverty and called for a phased roadmap of three to five years. A study cited at the event showed 85 to 89 percent of Nigerians opposed an immediate ban.

‎It also cited the Kano Solar Dialogue in July, co-organized with Bayero University Kano, where stakeholders demanded a National Renewable Energy Industrialisation Roadmap.

‎The roadmap proposed incentives for local manufacturing, affordable financing, technical training and stronger quality standards.

Commenting, Dr. David said the minister’s decision puts Nigerians first.

“We commend the Honourable Minister for listening to stakeholders and choosing a path that puts Nigerians first. Building manufacturing capacity before closing the door to imports is the right sequence,” he said.

He said focus on quality and training addresses the real problems of substandard products and poor installation.

The group however urged government to publish a clear, time-bound roadmap for import substitution.

‎It also called for incentives and affordable financing for manufacturers and households, enforcement of quality standards by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and expansion of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College across the six geopolitical zones with inclusion of women and youths.

It further urged government to extend solarisation beyond federal institutions to primary healthcare centres, schools and rural communities.