The Nigerian government’s plan to ban solar panel imports could severely hinder access to solar energy, pushing prices up by 40-60%, according to experts. With the national grid barely providing sufficient electricity, solar remains crucial for many. Local manufacturing lags behind demand, raising concerns about affordability and energy poverty in an energy-stressed nation.
Chidi Okonkwo, a businessman dependent on solar panels for his grocery shop, recently described the Nigerian government’s proposed ban on solar panel imports as akin to “outlawing umbrellas during the heaviest rains.” In a nation where the national grid provides only sporadic electricity, solar energy remains essential for powering small businesses, homes, and vital medical equipment in rural areas.
The federal government is invoking Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which emphasizes prioritizing local content in the science, engineering, and technology sectors. Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Science and Technology, indicated that Nigeria is significantly investing in renewable energy infrastructure and believes it can meet its solar energy needs domestically.
Energy experts draw parallels between the current ban proposal and Nigeria’s 2019 decision to close its land borders to combat smuggling, particularly in rice. Five years post-ban, food prices continue to escalate, with local farmers facing persistent challenges. Energy analyst Aisha Mohammed expressed concern that the import ban will exacerbate the already high costs of solar panels, making it more difficult for many Nigerians to afford this essential energy source.
Jide Pratts, Country Manager of Trade Grid, labeled the import ban as ill-considered, emphasizing that previous attempts at curtailing imports have generally not succeeded. He noted that while Nigeria has lithium in abundance, it has yet to extract it in usable commercial quantities.
Experts further assert that Nigeria’s local solar manufacturing industry remains nascent, with existing assembly plants unable to scale to meet the overwhelming demand. Project Manager Chioma Nwachukwu revealed that locally-produced solar panels are usually more expensive than imported ones, making them inaccessible to the average Nigerian.
BusinessDay’s research notes that costs for imported solar systems vary significantly, with basic setups starting around N400,000 and advanced off-grid systems reaching N20 million, depending on energy needs. Consumers share experiences regarding their investments in solar energy, illustrating the varying degrees of energy independence.
Should the import ban be implemented, experts predict a significant price surge—potentially increasing costs by 40-60%, as warned by renewable energy consultant Tunde Olawale. Such price hikes would likely force families and businesses back onto less environmentally friendly energy sources, exacerbating energy poverty and pollution, especially in rural regions.
In areas where solar is the sole electricity source, the potential ban poses considerable risks. Adebola Ogunleye, a seller of frozen foods, noted the personal stakes at play—if solar becomes prohibitively expensive, prices will inevitably rise, further burdening struggling customers.
The proposed ban on solar panel imports in Nigeria raises significant concerns regarding energy accessibility and economic feasibility. As businesses and families depend on solar energy amidst limited national grid power, the ban could lead to increased costs, which may ultimately drive many back to fossil fuels. While the government aims to boost local manufacturing, current infrastructure and market realities suggest that such efforts are still in their infancy. Ensuing challenges highlight the need for a balanced approach to energy policy that considers market demands and local capacity.
Original Source: businessday.ng
