Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said on Wednesday that banning solar imports would be counterproductive given Nigeria’s current manufacturing capacity.
Speaking through Ms. Dorcas Nicanor, Assistant Programme Manager at GIFSEP, David made the remarks in Abuja at a media roundtable on Strengthening Media Capacity for Informed Energy Reporting.
The government had announced in March 2025 plans to phase out solar panel imports to promote local manufacturing, citing over N200 billion spent on imports.
David said, “Banning solar imports at this stage would be counterproductive, especially given Nigeria’s limited local manufacturing capacity. The focus should instead be on strengthening standards, improving quality control, and supporting local industry development over time. With the right policies, investments, and public awareness, we can lead by example across Africa.”
He emphasized that energy poverty remains a major challenge affecting households, businesses, and journalists’ ability to work effectively. Reliable energy, he noted, is fundamental to information flow, storytelling, and accountability.
“Within this challenge lies a great opportunity. Nigeria can transition from a generator-dependent nation to a true SolarCountry. We have abundant renewable resources, and the economics already favor clean energy. The issue is not solar itself, but the growing number of unskilled technicians and poor-quality materials flooding the market,” David explained.
He added that solar energy is a lifeline for millions of Nigerians and called for structured training and certification programs to develop skilled professionals. “Journalists reporting on power and energy play a critical role in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, and holding stakeholders accountable,” he said.
Mr. Joseph Ibrahim, Campaign Director of the Secure Energy Project, echoed these concerns, noting that solar has become essential for households and small businesses. He warned that banning imports without adequate local capacity risks deepening energy poverty. “Globally, successful energy transitions have been gradual, supported by strong industrial capacity. Nigeria must follow a similar path,” he said.
Ibrahim emphasized support for local manufacturing: “We strongly support the vision of ‘Made-in-Nigeria,’ but policies must ensure an equitable, affordable, and sustainable energy transition.”
