Economic analysts and industry stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding the federal government’s alleged plan to ban solar panel imports.Findings indicate that authorities aim to prohibit imports to boost local manufacturing and promote clean energy adoption nationwide.The proposal was justified by government’s policy with Executive Order ( RO) No. 5 on Local ContentMinister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, maintained Nigeria’s capacity to produce solar panels using domestic resources.He identified the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as central to these local production efforts.The minister highlighted Nigeria’s abundant lithium reserves, stressing ongoing efforts to process them for use in vehicle batteries.He reassured citizens that the government is committed to adding value to raw materials to strengthen industrial development.However, experts fear ban will disrupt Solar Energy Startups and worsen electricity shortagesAlso, industry experts argue that restricting imports could harm startups and disrupt existing investments in renewable energy projects nationwide.Disagreeing with the plan the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Managing Director. Muda Yusuf, observed that Nigeria’s per capital electricity consumption is significantly below the sub-Saharan average.He advised against the policy, citing severe energy access limitations noting that the nation acute electricity deficit makes Solar crucial.He maintained that solar adoption has been instrumental in addressing the country’s persistent power supply challenges.The CPPE warned that local production cannot meet demand, making import restrictions detrimental to affordable energy access.He said: “Higher costs for solar solutions would place them beyond the financial reach of average Nigerian households and businesses.Instead of a ban, the CPPE urged the government to offer incentives to investors in solar panel production locally”.He recommended tax relief, concessions, and low-interest financing to support growth in the renewable energy sector.Further more he proposed cutting import duties on batteries, inverters, and wind turbines to improve energy security.According to him lowering costs would reduce dependence on the national grid and enhance productivity across various economic sectors nationwide.
