Oil & Energy

FG Halts Ban On Solar Import, Gets Stakeholders’ Commendation

Published

5 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Poised to protect energy transition savings, the Federal Government has shelved plans to immediately ban solar panel imports following opposition from business leaders and renewable energy advocates.

The decision comes as Nigeria continues to depend heavily on imported solar equipment to provide electricity to households and businesses struggling with unreliable grid supply, while millions of citizens remain without access to electricity.

It is also as opposition warned that restricting supplies before local manufacturers can meet demand could increase electricity costs and slow the country’s clean energy transition.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, who announced the decision while speaking with newsmen at the weekend, assured that the government would focus on ensuring that solar panels sold in the country meet required standards rather than shutting out imported products.

Udeh said the government was determined to ensure that only quality solar products were available in the domestic market, whether locally manufactured or imported from reliable sources.

He said, “Covering the energy gap in Nigeria is part of what we are doing and is referred to as renewed hope solarisation project where we are taking off federal universities, institutions, special academic institutions. Giving them access to electricity. We can’t ban solar panel importation if we can’t produce locally. But we will wait to get to that point of manufacturing capabilities within Nigeria.

“Soon you will see that we only have in the Nigerian market standard solar panels, either manufactured in Nigeria or imported from reliable sources, and they’re all high standard to ensure that we have energy assets being supported by solar power or renewable energy”.

The announcement provides relief to solar importers, installers and consumers who had feared that an immediate restriction would disrupt supply, increase equipment prices and undermine investments in off-grid electricity systems.

However, energy stakeholders said the government must translate its commitment to local manufacturing into a clear policy framework that allows domestic production to expand without making solar power unaffordable.

Commenting, the President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Ayo Ademilua, said members of the association supported the government’s ambition to develop a domestic solar manufacturing industry but warned that local factories were not yet equipped to meet the country’s demand in terms of volume and price.

“Our members share the Minister’s dream of a Nigeria that makes its own solar panels. Many of us are already investing in local assembly and manufacturing, and we want that industry to grow. But we have to be honest about where we are,” Ademilua said.

He added, “Solar has become a lifeline for millions of Nigerians the grid doesn’t reach: homes, hospitals, schools, farms and small businesses. Local production is growing, but it can’t yet meet that demand in volume or price. A ban now would have raised costs, stalled projects and put the progress of the last decade at risk.”

Ademilua’s comments highlight the challenge facing the government as it seeks to promote local manufacturing while maintaining access to affordable renewable energy.

Also, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, Dr David Michael, said the government should pursue domestic manufacturing without compromising access to affordable clean energy.

“Nigeria shouldn’t have to choose between building a domestic solar industry and making clean energy affordable for its people. The government’s decision is a welcome recognition that both must go hand in hand,” Michael said.

He added, “The priority now is a clear, long-term plan that attracts investment in local manufacturing while ensuring millions of Nigerians can access the affordable, reliable electricity they urgently need.”

On his part, the Nigeria Campaign Director of the Secure Energy Project, Joseph Ibrahim, also welcomed the decision, describing affordable solar access as a national priority at a time when millions of people continue to face electricity supply challenges.

“This is a welcome step for Nigeria’s clean energy future. At a time when millions of Nigerians still struggle to access reliable electricity, keeping solar panels affordable and accessible must remain a national priority,” Ibrahim said.

He added, “We welcome the government’s recognition that building local manufacturing capacity takes time, investment and the right support. This has been our position as the Solar Power Nigeria coalition from the beginning.”

Ibrahim called for a long-term policy that would support domestic manufacturers, attract investment and ensure that locally produced panels could eventually compete with imports on price and quality.

“The priority now must be to develop a clear, long-term plan that supports local manufacturers, attracts investment and ensures that solar remains affordable and accessible for Nigerian households and businesses,” he said.

The debate advocates are now calling for a phased transition of three to five years, supported by published timelines, incentives for manufacturers and measurable targets for expanding local production.

Oil & Energy

Northeast Governors Seek Faster Action On Mambila Power Project

Published

1 week ago

October 5, 2026

The Tide

Governors in Nigeria’s Northeast have called on the federal government to expedite action on the Mambila Hydropower Project, expand electricity generation and distribution in the region, and intensify efforts to address the security, humanitarian and socio-economic challenges confronting the sub-region. NigeriaInvestment Guide

The governors, under the aegis of Northeast Governors’ Forum, made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 13th meeting, held in Maiduguri.

The governors expressed concern over what they described as the seeming neglect of the Mambila Hydropower Project, urging the Federal Government to take advantage of the recent resolution of legal issues surrounding the project following an arbitration ruling to accelerate its completion and commencement.

On electricity, the Forum said member states had moved the energy agenda from an individual state concern to a regional priority.

It urged the states to take advantage of the new electricity law and the region’s abundant solar resources to expand electricity access, particularly through solar power and mini-grid projects.

In a move aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving economic integration, the governors said the Forum would partner with Greenfield Energy to establish more compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations across the region.

The Forum also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, through the Northeast Development Commission, for the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis.

The governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the renewed attention to major development projects affecting the region, including the Maiduguri rail corridor and frontier oil exploration at Kolmani.

The governors, however, urged the Federal Government to revisit oil exploration activities that were earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in parts of Borno State.

Oil & Energy

‘Plan To Channel More Gas To Industrial Sector Will Reduce Production Cost’

Published

1 week ago

October 5, 2026

The Tide

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said it will provide necessary support to renewed effort of the Government to improve gas supply to the industrial sector

PETROAN said the move would help in significantly reducing production cost and create more efficiency in the sector.

National President of the Association, Dr. Gillis-Harry, said the marketing group is excited with President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on reducing the cost of production which is particularly important as energy costs have a direct impact on transportation, manufacturing, agriculture and other productive activities.

Gillia-Harry welcomed the petroleum and energy-related messages contained in Tinubu’s Independence Day address, describing them as an indication of the Federal Government’s continued focus on using Nigeria’s natural resources to support economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians.

While noting particularly the President’s statement that “we will use our gas to power new industries, he said Nigeria’s gas resources can provide the energy needed to power industries, create jobs, reduce the cost of production and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

The PETROAN also welcomed the President’s statement that oil theft has reduced, noting that sustained progress in this area can support increased crude oil production, improve government revenue and strengthen confidence in the petroleum sector.

He stressed that the transition from economic reforms to what the President described as the “age of prosperity” must ultimately be reflected in the real economy and in the daily lives of Nigerians.

Against this background, PETROAN called on President Tinubu to direct the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to take urgent steps towards restarting and sustainably operating the nation’s government-owned refineries before the January election period.

Gillis-Harry said prolonged refinery inactivity has affected businesses, workers, contractors, transport operators and communities whose livelihoods depend on the petroleum value chain.

According to him, returning the refineries to productive operation would increase domestic refining capacity, strengthen energy security and create economic opportunities.

Oil & Energy

Nigeria @ 66: ECN Reaffirms Committment To Nigeria’s Energy Transition

Published

1 week ago

October 5, 2026

The Tide

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the country’s energy transition, strengthening energy security and expanding access to clean energy as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Commission said Nigeria’s energy future remains a national priority, stressing the need for sustained efforts to harness the country’s energy resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods and create new opportunities for citizens.

In an Independence Day message, the Director General, ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the Commission would continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Solarisation Programme, aimed at expanding access to clean energy and strengthening the country’s energy security. Energy& Utilities

Abdullahi described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a testament to the country’s resilience, sacrifices and enduring belief in its potential.

He noted that Nigeria had made significant progress since independence but needed renewed commitment, unity and determination to achieve its aspirations for national development.

“The Nigeria we desire is possible. Nations that are great today were once laying their foundations. We too can rise, compete and lead among the world’s greatest nations, and even surpass them,” the Commission said. Africans& Diaspora

He, however, called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, cooperation and collective responsibility in building a stronger and more prosperous nation. Africans& Diaspora

The ECN DG stressed that the country’s future would depend on its citizens’ ability to work together, pursue common goals, and translate their belief in Nigeria into purposeful action.

He expressed optimism that, with sustained commitment to national development, Nigeria could overcome its challenges, strengthen its global competitiveness and realise its potential.

Abdullahi further urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, noting that the country’s journey towards greatness required collective efforts and a shared commitment to progress.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu