Nigeria Advocates Local Production of Renewable Energy Tech

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for enhanced local manufacturing of renewable energy technologies to decrease dependence on imported solar panels, batteries, inverters, and related equipment. Prof Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, made this statement at the Lagos Solar Forum organized by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Environmental Protection in collaboration with other organizations.

Fagbuji stressed the importance of positioning Nigeria as a producer and exporter of renewable energy technologies through deliberate industrial policies. He pointed out that local manufacturing would create jobs and support the Nigeria First industrialization agenda led by NASENI.

He also highlighted the significant investment opportunities in renewable energy, noting that global clean energy investments exceed $2 trillion annually. Fagbuji mentioned that Africa attracts only 2-3% of global clean energy investments despite having rich solar resources.

Dr Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, cautioned against a blanket ban on imported solar equipment, stating that Nigeria is not yet prepared for such a policy.