Nigeria’s Solar Revolution: Government Urged To Boost Local Manufacturing And In-Country Capacity.
In a bold call to action, experts and industry leaders are pressing Nigeria’s Federal Government to prioritise local solar panel manufacturing and develop in-country capacity to meet the nation’s soaring energy demands. With Nigeria’s abundant sunlight and ambitious renewable energy targets, this push for self-reliance in solar production is being hailed as a transformative step toward energy security, economic growth, and sustainability. The urgency of this initiative was spotlighted in discussions on X, where stakeholders emphasized the need for Nigeria to reduce its dependence on imported solar technology.
Nigeria, blessed with an average of 1,885 hours of sunlight annually and a solar energy intensity of 1,934.5 kWh/m²/year, has immense potential to become a solar powerhouse. The country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), launched in 2022, sets a goal of achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030, with solar as a cornerstone. However, reliance on imported solar panels, coupled with high import duties on raw materials, has stifled progress. Local manufacturers like LPV Technologies and Auxano Solar are stepping up, but they face significant hurdles due to inconsistent policies and limited infrastructure.
In a landmark development, Auxano Solar expanded its Lagos-based facility in 2023, increasing its manufacturing capacity from 10MW to 110MW, making it Nigeria’s largest privately-owned solar panel assembly plant. Capable of producing 72,000 panels annually, the facility is a beacon of hope for local production. Similarly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) broke ground on a solar cell production plant in Nasarawa State in 2023, backed by a US$171 million investment from the China Africa Development Fund. This project aims to produce the full supply chain of solar panels locally, reducing reliance on costly imports.
Experts argue that local manufacturing could slash costs, create jobs, and bolster Nigeria’s energy independence. “By producing solar panels locally, we can eliminate high logistics costs and currency fluctuations, making solar energy more affordable,” said Yinka Adelodun, Executive Director of LPV Technologies. The company’s state-of-the-art facility, operational since January 2025, employs Nigerian engineers and adheres to international standards, proving the country’s potential to rival global competitors. Posts on X also highlighted a recent announcement by Cork Nigeria Solar Energy Company (CNSEC), which plans to establish a 200MW solar module assembly plant in the Lagos Free Zone, aiming to train 6,000 technicians by 2028.
The benefits extend beyond energy. Local solar manufacturing could create thousands of jobs in production, installation, and maintenance, addressing Nigeria’s high unemployment rate. The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) plans to deploy 1,200 mini-grids, benefiting 200,000 households and 50,000 businesses, further driving demand for locally-made panels. Moreover, reducing import dependency would shield Nigeria from global supply chain disruptions and foster a resilient solar value chain.
However, challenges remain. High import duties on raw materials, inadequate financing, and a lack of trained personnel hamper growth. Industry leaders are calling for policy reforms, including duty exemptions on solar components, streamlined customs processes, and increased investment in technical training. “It’s like running a race with your shoelaces tied,” said Adeniyi Ojo, a Lagos-based solar retailer, highlighting the policy barriers facing manufacturers.
The government has taken steps to address these issues, offering tax holidays and soft loans for renewable energy projects. Yet, stakeholders urge more decisive action to align policies with Nigeria’s localisation goals. With major solar projects like the 5,600MW Argungu Solar PV Park and 1,000MW Jigawa Solar PV Park in development, the time is ripe for Nigeria to harness its solar potential.
As the nation strives to power 85 million citizens currently without electricity, local solar manufacturing stands as a beacon of hope. By investing in homegrown talent and infrastructure, Nigeria can not only meet its renewable energy targets but also emerge as a leader in Africa’s green energy revolution.
