Energy Expert Slams Federal Government’s Solar Panel Import Ban Plan as ‘Unrealistic’

At the 2025 Lagos Energy Summit, energy expert Theophilus Nweke criticized the federal government’s proposal to ban the importation of solar panels. He described the move as premature and impractical.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, announced the policy, saying it would promote local manufacturing. He cited ongoing production efforts by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and several private companies. According to him, the plan aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which encourages support for local industries.

“With NASENI already producing panels, and private companies doing the same, we’ll end solar panel importation and strengthen our industries,” Nnaji stated.

However, Nweke, who serves as CEO of Cloud Energy, disagreed. He explained that Nigeria lacks the necessary infrastructure and technology to produce key components like solar wafers and cells.

“Local companies still import solar cells and wafers,” he said. “We don’t have factories that can produce them from scratch.”

He challenged the minister to identify any facility in Nigeria that manufactures these components. “Where are the solar wafer or cell factories? The technology simply doesn’t exist here,” he emphasized.

Focus on Private Sector and Financing

Nweke urged the government to support renewable energy through policy and financing instead of controlling production. He recommended a renewable energy intervention fund, similar to the agricultural fund that supports farmers.

“This fund can offer low-interest loans to help companies like Cloud Energy deliver solar solutions nationwide,” he suggested.

Global Partnerships and Local Challenges

This debate comes amid a new partnership. The Energy Commission of Nigeria recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy Engineering Corporation and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Their goal is to tackle Nigeria’s power challenges through innovation and collaboration.

As part of the deal, they plan to set up a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre. The center will drive innovation and build technical skills in the clean energy sector.

Although the government’s push for local production shows commitment, experts like Nweke believe success depends on clear policies, strong infrastructure, and private-sector involvement.