By Bature Danlami
In just the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria spent over ₦237 billion importing solar panels. This is more than a staggering figure—it is a clear indication of the urgent need for local manufacturing capacity in the renewable energy sector. This moneys can do better if kept in Nigeria—whether to be invested in manufacturing business or to spur innovation in the technology sector.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), captured the gravity of the situation best: “Nigeria’s overdependence on imported solar panels is not sustainable. Local manufacturing is the answer.”
Under his leadership, NASENI is leading by example. The Agency is developing the country’s first-ever Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State. This is a bold step toward building local capacity for solar innovation and production. The goal is not just to meet Nigeria’s energy needs, but to establish a globally competitive hub for clean energy technologies. Imagine if the whole of West Africa, and in fact Africa were relying on Nigeria for its energy needs? And this is very feasible.
“To strengthen this vision,” Halilu noted, “I visited Yingli Solar during my recent trip to China to deepen conversations on N-type solar technology, co-branded modules, and local assembly.” Mr Khalil, during this trip emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s energy security must be driven by homegrown solutions and technology transfer.
This effort is a textbook example of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy in action: that is prioritizing local content, creating skilled jobs, reducing capital flight, and laying the groundwork for self-reliance in critical sectors.
As Halilu rightly puts it, and rightly so: “The ultimate goal is to accelerate solar adoption, create quality jobs for Nigerians, and ensure the country is powered through sustainable, homegrown solutions.”
Nigeria has the sunlight. It has the manpower. And, as NASENI is demonstrating, it has the leadership and vision. The time to manufacture our own solar panels—at scale, in Nigeria, for Nigerians—is now.
– Bature Danlami, a technology enthusiast writes from Kano State.
