During a recent roundtable held in Abuja, energy experts and policymakers pressed for affordable financing, stronger quality assurance and a phased localisation agenda to expand Nigeria’s solar industry while keeping prices within reach of households and businesses.
The gathering, known as the Abuja Solar Policy Roundtable, was organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) together with the Solar Power Nigeria Campaign. Dr Michael T. David, GIFSEP’s Executive Director and co‑convener of the campaign, described solar power as a realistic pathway to more dependable and cheaper electricity.
He highlighted that millions of Nigerians still grapple with erratic grid supply and rely heavily on petrol‑ and diesel‑driven generators, a situation that imposes heavy financial burdens on both homes and enterprises.
Dr David praised the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology minister, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for affirming that the government would not ban solar‑panel imports until sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity is in place. “The solar sector is too important to be left with fragmented oversight and inconsistent standards,” he asserted.
According to Dr David, three pillars are essential for a resilient solar industry: development of skilled technicians, establishment of local manufacturing and assembly lines, and rigorous quality‑control mechanisms. He urged the creation of certification schemes for technicians, continuous up‑skilling programmes, and pathways for generator‑technicians to transition into solar installation and maintenance roles.
He also called for predictable government policies, easy‑access financing and tighter coordination among regulatory bodies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), each operating within its statutory remit.
Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, stressed that affordable and reliable energy is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, climate goals and overall resilience. He noted that solar power can alleviate electricity shortages while bolstering agriculture through improved irrigation, food‑storage and processing capabilities, thereby cutting farmers’ operating costs, reducing post‑harvest losses and enhancing food security.
Kelani concluded that the energy transition must serve ordinary Nigerians—including youth, women and vulnerable groups—rather than being confined to government agencies or large investors.
What are the priority actions identified?
- Introduce technician certification and ongoing training programmes.
- Promote local manufacturing and assembly of solar components.
- Enforce consistent quality standards through coordinated regulatory oversight.
- Provide predictable, low‑cost financing options for solar projects.
How can solar energy support agriculture?
Solar power can run irrigation pumps, power cold‑storage facilities and drive processing equipment, which lowers production costs for farmers, curtails post‑harvest spoilage and strengthens national food security.
The consensus among participants was clear: a coordinated policy framework, accessible financing and a skilled workforce are indispensable for unlocking the full potential of solar energy in Nigeria.