By Atlantic Reports

The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign has welcomed the Federal Government's proposed approach to developing domestic solar panel manufacturing, urging authorities to strengthen local production capacity before introducing restrictions on imported solar equipment.

The campaign said a gradual transition towards locally manufactured solar panels would help protect households, businesses and public institutions from potential increases in renewable energy costs while creating opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers.

Its Co-Convener, Michael Terungwa, who is also Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Terungwa commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, for supporting an approach that prioritises domestic manufacturing capacity rather than an immediate prohibition on imported solar panels.

He argued that Nigeria could strengthen its renewable energy industry without undermining access to affordable solar technology.

Why Campaigners Oppose an Immediate Import Ban

The debate over solar panel imports reflects a broader challenge facing Nigeria's renewable energy sector: how to encourage domestic manufacturing while keeping clean energy technology affordable.

Solar systems provide an alternative source of electricity for households, small businesses, schools and healthcare facilities, particularly where public power supply is unreliable or unavailable.

However, the cost of purchasing and installing solar equipment remains an important barrier for many consumers.

Terungwa warned that restricting imported panels before sufficient local manufacturing capacity exists could reduce available supplies and place additional pressure on prices.

Such an outcome could make solar installations less affordable for households and small enterprises already struggling with energy expenses.

According to him, a phased transition would allow domestic manufacturers to develop their operations while ensuring that consumers continue to have access to solar products.

The campaign's position is that industrial development and energy accessibility should advance together rather than compete.

Federal Government Targets Domestic Solar Production

Terungwa recalled that Udeh had recently outlined the Federal Government's intention to expand local production of solar panels and related components.

The minister's stated objective, according to the campaign, is to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported equipment and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Terungwa described the approach as consistent with recommendations made by renewable energy stakeholders throughout 2026.

He maintained that a carefully managed transition could support industrial investment, technical skills development and employment opportunities.

However, the statement did not provide details of the government's proposed implementation timetable, manufacturing targets, financing commitments or any formal decision on import restrictions.

It also did not establish whether a binding policy or regulatory framework had been adopted.

These details will be essential in determining how the proposed transition would operate and when Nigerian consumers and manufacturers might begin to experience its effects.

Campaign Calls for Three-to-Five-Year Transition

The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign said it had consistently advocated a phased approach to replacing imported solar equipment with domestically manufactured alternatives.

Terungwa recalled that during a renewable energy reporting workshop organised by GIFSEP and its partners in April 2026, participants warned against imposing an immediate import ban.

They recommended a transition roadmap lasting between three and five years.

According to him, a study cited during the workshop suggested that between 85 and 89 per cent of Nigerians opposed an immediate ban on solar panel imports.

The statement did not identify the study's authors, sample size or methodology, making it difficult to assess how representative the findings were of public opinion nationwide.

Nevertheless, the campaign argued that consumer affordability should remain central to any policy intended to encourage local manufacturing.

A gradual transition could give manufacturers time to establish production facilities, secure financing, train workers and develop reliable supply chains.

It could also allow government agencies to assess domestic production capacity before introducing measures that might affect imported products.

Kano Dialogue Proposes Industrialisation Roadmap

Terungwa also referred to the Kano Solar Dialogue 2026, held in July and jointly organised by GIFSEP and the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainability Transition (CREST) at Bayero University, Kano.

He said participants called for a National Renewable Energy Industrialisation Roadmap to guide the development of Nigeria's domestic solar industry.

The proposed framework focused on five priorities:

• Incentives to encourage investment in local manufacturing.

• Affordable financing for renewable energy businesses.

• Technical training to develop a skilled workforce.

• Stronger product quality and safety standards.

• Gradual import substitution as domestic production expands.

The recommendations reflect the need for a coordinated industrial strategy rather than reliance on import restrictions alone.

For local manufacturers, access to affordable financing and dependable infrastructure would be important in determining whether Nigerian-made solar products can compete on price and quality.

For consumers, effective quality standards would help protect against substandard equipment and improve confidence in solar installations.

Opportunities for Jobs and Small Businesses

Developing a domestic solar manufacturing industry could create opportunities across several parts of the renewable energy value chain.

These include equipment assembly, component manufacturing, installation, maintenance, distribution and technical services.

A growing industry could also support engineers, electricians, technicians and entrepreneurs seeking employment in the clean energy sector.

However, the scale of potential job creation would depend on actual investment, the level of local production and the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.

Assembly operations that rely heavily on imported components may provide different economic benefits from factories that manufacture a substantial proportion of their inputs locally.

Consequently, the success of an industrialisation policy should be assessed through measurable indicators, including domestic production capacity, local value addition, employment and consumer prices.

Protecting Energy Access During the Transition

For many Nigerian households and businesses, the immediate concern is whether solar equipment will become more affordable and accessible.

An effective transition policy would need to address the interests of manufacturers without imposing excessive costs on consumers.

It would also require attention to the availability of batteries, inverters and other components necessary for complete solar power systems.

Policies affecting one part of the supply chain could influence the overall cost of installation.

The campaign's endorsement of a gradual approach therefore raises an important question for policymakers: how can Nigeria build a competitive domestic renewable energy industry while protecting access for low-income households and underserved communities?

The answer will depend on the design of incentives, financing arrangements, quality controls and any future trade restrictions.

Implementation Will Determine Policy Success

Terungwa said the Federal Government's stated direction reflected several recommendations previously advanced by the Solar Power Nigeria Campaign and its partners.

He expressed confidence that a gradual transition could strengthen local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and improve Nigeria's long-term energy independence.

Those outcomes remain expectations rather than demonstrated results.

The next steps will require clear government policy, defined implementation milestones and credible arrangements for monitoring both industrial growth and consumer affordability.

For Nigerians considering solar power as an alternative to unreliable electricity supply, the most important test will be whether the policy delivers dependable, affordable equipment.

For domestic manufacturers, success will depend on their ability to produce quality products at competitive prices.

Balancing those objectives will be central to determining whether Nigeria's renewable energy industrialisation ambitions translate into sustainable economic and social benefits.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.