Nigeria reduces solar panel imports as local production grows

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has revealed that the nation imported more solar cells than finished solar panels in October 2025, marking a shift in Nigeria’s renewable energy industry, as reported by APA News on December 8th. 

REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu stated that Nigeria imported 110 MW of solar cells compared to 82MW of fully assembled panels during the same period, describing it as a “historic industrial shift.” 

It is “a structural signal that Nigeria is moving from buying clean-energy solutions to building them,” he added.

He explained that importing solar cells instead of finished panels allows 60% to 70% of the value to remain in Nigeria, since local assembly requires work across frames, glass, backsheets, junction boxes, lamination, testing and logistics. 

He argued that this approach keeps the majority of the value chain inside the country and helps create skilled jobs while encouraging new manufacturing capacity.

Recently, Nigeria hosted the first Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum in October, with the focus being on ‘Implementing the Nigeria First Policy’. 

Since then, local manufacturers in Nigeria have responded strongly, as between January and November 2025, Nigeria imported more solar cells for local assembly compared to all previous years combined.

Aliyu emphasised that this progress reflects a strategic push to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported goods. 

He noted that this transition is not accidental but rather the result of policy reforms and continuous support from the government.

Notably, Nigerian foreign reserves have reached $46.7 billion, marking a seven-year high since 2018.

“This shift didn’t happen by accident. It reflects the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, driving the Renewed Hope Agenda and its ‘Nigeria First Policy’, which places local content, domestic industry, and economic sovereignty at the centre of national development,” he added.

Apart from the renewable energy industry, Nigeria is also witnessing a significant demand among young people who want to invest through mobile trading apps. 

APA News, Maghrebi