The Solar Power Nigeria Campaign has commended the Federal Government for prioritising local manufacturing capacity before restricting solar panel imports.

Co-Convener, Solar Power Nigeria and Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Michael Terungwa, gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Terungwa said that the federal government decision to prioritise local manufacturing capacity would protect Nigerians from rising solar equipment costs while strengthening the country’s renewable energy industry.

He also commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, for supporting a gradual transition to domestic production.

According to him, gradual transition will safeguard energy access for households, businesses and public institutions, as well as lay a firm foundation for local manufacturing, jobs and energy self-sufficiency.

He recalled that in a recent media briefing, the minister said that the federal government would expand domestic production of solar panels and components so that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in manufacturing.

Mr Terungwa said that the minister’s approach closely reflected what solar power Nigeria campaign and its partners advocated throughout 2026.

He stated, “In  April, media training on renewable energy reporting, which GIFSEP organised with the solar power Nigeria partner’s warned that an outright import ban can worsen energy poverty.

”They called for a phased roadmap over three to five years. One study cited at the event found that 85 to 89 per cent of Nigerians opposed an immediate ban.

”In July, at the Kano Solar Dialogue 2026, which GIFSEP co-organised with the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainability Transition (CREST) at Bayero University Kano, stakeholders called for a National Renewable Energy Industrialisation Roadmap.

”Its pillars were incentives for local manufacturing, affordable financing, technical training, stronger quality standards and gradual import substitution.”

Mr Terungwa said that the federal government plan had now answered many of the calls and would deliver several benefits to Nigerians.

(NAN)