Stakeholders in the renewable energy sector have called for the use of Solar Power to bridge electricity deficit in Nigeria with a focus on accelerating Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition.
They made the call at the launch of a National Advocacy campaign of Solar Power in Nigeria, by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), in partnership with the Secure Energy Project (SEP), in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign aims to promote a balanced, evidence based policy approach to Nigeria’s solar transition.
The campaign advocates for a phased and strategic pathway that safeguards energy access and affordability in the short term, while supporting realistic local manufacturing, skills development, and green industrial growth over medium to long term.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director GIFSEP Dr. David Micheal said Solar is the pathway out of Nigeria’s energy poverty and the bridge for Nigerians in desperate need for electricity.
“Solar, the lifeline, a pathway out of energy poverty in Nigeria. Solar energy indeed offers the real chance to close Nigeria’s energy poverty because it provides clean, affordable, accessible power for many who are left without electricity,” he said.
According to him, Solar has the ability of boosting small businesses and growing the country’s economy.
Proposed Ban of Solar Panel Importation
On governments proposed ban on Solar panel importation Dr. Micheal said it may not be the best move for the country as Nigerians need Solar for business and livelihood sustenance.
He highlighted that based on the “Assessing Nigeria’s Preparedness for a potential Immediate Ban on Solar Panel Imports” report, a ban may lead to hike in price of Solar thereby making it inaccessible for the poor masses.
“Nearly all solar panels and accessories in Nigeria are imported. So, the former minister of science and technology, Uche Nnadi, in 2025, stated that the federal government of Nigeria would stop the importation of solar panels. So, we decided to commission a study, a research, called Readiness of Nigeria for a ban on the importation of solar panels.
“Once something is banned, what happens? Immediately, the price goes up, right? It becomes very scarce, and then smuggling becomes the order of the day.
You agree with me? So, we are afraid. The question is, are we ready for a ban on solar panels in Nigeria? Do we have sufficient local capacity to produce what we need? The answer to me, I don’t know about you, is a no” he explianed.
He noted that, What Nigeria needs at this moment is a policy on clean energy, a policy that will offer incentives for local solar production.
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Honourable Terseer Ugbor in his keynote address said with Solar Power, Nigeria can achieve electricity for many businesses, homes while also protecting the environment.
“I Imagine a Nigeria where every home has reliable power, where no child studies in the dark, where businesses thrive without the constant hum of generators, and where clean, affordable energy powers our growth and protects our future. That is the Nigeria we are working toward, and conversations like this bring that vision closer to reality.”
Speaking on the ‘Assessing Nigeria’s Preparedness for a Potential Immediate Ban on Solar Panel Import’ Honourable Ugbor said while it’s important to build a strong domestic solar manufacturing industry, transition must be startehic.
“Assessing Nigeria’s Preparedness for a Potential Immediate Ban on Solar Panel building a strong domestic solar manufacturing industry in Imports, raises an important and timely policy question of Nigeria. Strengthening local value chains, creating jobs, and advancing our energy sovereignty are goals we must pursue However, any transition must be strategic, responsible, and people-centered” he added.
The event brought together senior government officials, regulators, development partners, manufacturers, installers, civil society organisations, and members of the media to deliberate on evidence-based policy options for Nigeria’s energy future.