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Lawmaker Backs Local Solar Manufacturing, Caution Against Immediate Import Ban
Lawmaker Backs Local Solar Manufacturing, Caution Against Immediate Import Ban
By: Michael Mike
The National Assembly is considering a range of legislative and policy measures to strengthen local production of solar panels and renewable energy components in Nigeria, as part of broader efforts to tackle energy poverty and reduce installation costs nationwide.
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, House of Representatives, Hon. Terseer Ugbor speaking at the Solar Power Nigeria’s National Stakeholders Engagement with theme: “Accelerating Nigeria’s Clean Energy”, said parliament is reviewing key issues affecting the sector, particularly the development of local manufacturing capacity for solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy components.
According to him, expanding domestic production is critical to lowering the entry cost of solar energy systems for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses—especially in rural communities where access to electricity remains limited.
“We are looking at how to polish policies around the renewable energy sector and support local manufacturers. If we can advance local production, we can reduce installation costs and expand access to solar power across Nigeria,” he said.
The lawmaker acknowledged concerns that encouraging local production could initially lead to higher prices compared to imported solar panels, particularly those produced at large scale in Asia.
“It is true that imported panels can sometimes be cheaper because countries like China produce at massive scale and export globally,” he noted.
However, he argued that through structured technology transfer and gradual capacity building, Nigeria can develop local manufacturing or at least assembly plants that create jobs and add value within the country.
Rather than immediate full-scale manufacturing, he suggested beginning with local assembly of components, which would stimulate employment, build technical expertise, and strengthen the country’s renewable energy ecosystem.
“Nigeria is already spending billions annually on solar imports. That level of demand is enough to sustain several local manufacturing and assembly plants,” he said.
He stressed that local production would not only reduce long-term dependence on foreign suppliers but also promote economic growth and sector sustainability.
“It is always better to manufacture or assemble components close to where they are installed. That strengthens the economy and ensures long-term sustainability.”
On calls by some stakeholders for a complete ban on solar panel imports, the lawmaker urged caution.
While he did not dismiss the idea outright, he emphasized that any ban must be preceded by a clear assessment of Nigeria’s readiness and production capacity.
“A ban is not entirely a bad concept, but it must be considered within the context of our preparedness. Do we have enough local capacity to meet demand? That is the key question,” he said.
He suggested that instead of an outright prohibition, Nigeria could adopt a phased transition strategy—such as imposing tariffs or import duties on foreign solar products—to give local manufacturers room to compete.
Countries with established large-scale production capabilities, he noted, can produce millions of panels at significantly lower costs, making it difficult for emerging Nigerian firms to compete without policy support.
According to him, a phased approach combining trade measures, investment incentives, and capacity development would allow Nigeria to gradually shift toward local production without jeopardizing affordability for rural communities.
“We must protect affordability while building local industry. A gradual transition, supported by smart trade policies and incentives, is better than an abrupt ban,” he said.
The lawmaker said that strengthening Nigeria’s solar manufacturing base would drive job creation, promote technology transfer, and enhance energy security over the long term.
“We cannot continue to depend entirely on foreign manufacturers. Building local capacity is essential if we want sustainable and affordable renewable energy across Nigeria.”
The Nigeria Country Lead, Global Strategic Communication Council, Daniel Oladoja pushed for evidence-based energy reforms have cautioned against an immediate ban on solar panel imports, arguing that policy decisions must be guided by data rather than sentiment.
He explained that the aim of the study was to introduce credible data into the national debate over local manufacturing and import restrictions.
“What we set out to do with this report is to bring evidence into the conversation,” a policy advocate said. “Anyone can say a ban is good or a ban is bad, but that is sentiment. When it comes to serious policymaking, you must rely on data.”
One of the report’s key findings is that more than 80 percent of Nigerians surveyed do not support a ban on solar panel imports.
“If government says it listens to the people, then it must pay attention to what the people are saying,” the advocate noted.
The report argues that while energy sovereignty and industrialization are legitimate national goals, policymakers must weigh these ambitions against affordability and access — especially in a country battling widespread energy poverty.
He said beyond public sentiment, the report highlights a significant cost disparity between imported solar systems and locally produced alternatives.
According to him, locally manufactured systems are approximately 16 percent more expensive than imported equivalents.
With the average functional household solar system costing around ₦2 million, that 16 percent difference translates to nearly ₦250,000 — a substantial amount for most Nigerian families.
“That margin is enough to discourage adoption,” the advocate explained. “When you’re talking about rural households, small businesses, or schools trying to install solar, ₦250,000 is not a minor difference.”
He said the report stresses that the debate over banning solar imports is not purely economic but also social, adding that a sudden restriction could slow the spread of renewable energy, particularly in underserved rural areas where solar systems are often the most viable electricity option.
“This is not just about industry. It’s about access to power. It’s about livelihoods. It’s about small businesses and healthcare facilities that depend on affordable solar solutions.”
Rather than an abrupt prohibition, stakeholders are recommending a structured five-to-ten-year transition plan.
They warned against repeating policy approaches seen in other sectors, where sudden border closures or bans disrupted markets without adequate local capacity in place.
“Don’t just wake up one morning and shut the borders,” the advocate said. “Have a clear strategic roadmap — build local capacity gradually, encourage assembly, incentivize manufacturers, and then phase down imports in a predictable way.”
Such a phased strategy, they argued, would protect affordability while allowing Nigeria to strengthen domestic production capacity over time.
The overarching message from the report is that policymaking must balance industrial growth with consumer welfare, guided by evidence, cost analysis, and public opinion.
“We are not opposing industrialization. We are saying: let’s do it strategically. Let’s use the numbers. Let’s use public sentiment. Let’s plan properly.”
As Nigeria pushes toward energy security and renewable expansion, the report concludes that careful sequencing — not abrupt restrictions — will determine whether local solar manufacturing becomes a catalyst for growth or a barrier to access.
On his part, the Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Swcurity and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Micheal David said locally manufactured solar systems currently cost about 16 percent more than imported alternatives.
He said: “With an average household solar system costing roughly ₦2 million, that 16 percent difference can mean about ₦250,000 extra,” said an energy market analyst. “For rural households, that difference is enough to delay adoption.”
He noted that: “This is not just an industrial discussion. It is about healthcare facilities, small businesses, and families who depend on solar just to keep basic lights on.”
Stakeholders argued that Nigeria’s fastest path to universal electricity access lies in scaling up distributed renewable energy rather than relying exclusively on large utility-scale solar projects.
“The future for Nigeria is decentralized energy,” said a renewable energy consultant. “Mini-grids and rooftop solar are more realistic for rural electrification than trying to reach extremely high utility solar targets within a short period.”
Lawmaker Backs Local Solar Manufacturing, Caution Against Immediate Import Ban
NHRC Honours Ford Foundation for Sustained Support to Human Rights in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has honoured the Ford Foundation for its sustained contributions to advancing human rights in Nigeria, reinforcing a partnership that has played a critical role in strengthening access to justice and institutional capacity.
At a ceremony held Friday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the NHRC presented an Award of Appreciation to the Foundation in recognition of its longstanding support.
The award was received by the Foundation’s Regional Director for West Africa, ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, during a high-level engagement with directors and senior officials of the Commission.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu commended the Ford Foundation’s consistent backing, particularly in initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening the Commission’s operational capacity.
He stressed that given the breadth and complexity of human rights challenges in Nigeria, the Commission cannot function in isolation.
According to him, sustained collaboration with development partners remains essential to transforming human rights protection from policy intentions into tangible outcomes for citizens.
In her remarks, Aniagolu-Okoye described the recognition as both significant and encouraging, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to promoting human rights. She noted that a key focus of the Foundation’s work is ensuring that citizens are not only aware of their rights but are also supported in seeking justice when those rights are violated.
She, however, emphasized that awareness alone is insufficient without strong and effective enforcement systems. Gaps between knowledge of rights and actual access to justice, she said, can weaken public trust and diminish the impact of human rights initiatives.
“Trust in institutions grows when people experience fairness and accessibility in justice delivery,” she noted, adding that strengthening such systems is critical for sustainable human rights protection.
The engagement also underscored the importance of continued cooperation between the Commission and its partners in addressing evolving human rights challenges across the country.
In a vote of thanks, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Commission, Hilary Ogbonna, expressed appreciation for the Ford Foundation’s enduring partnership. He highlighted key institutional advancements, including initiatives such as the MOVE project and the Commission’s dashboard system, noting that many of these efforts benefitted from the Foundation’s early support.
Ogbonna also commended the leadership of the Executive Secretary and the dedication of the Commission’s directors, whose commitment, he said, has sustained progress despite operational constraints.
He further acknowledged the role of the media as a vital partner in the human rights ecosystem, describing the press as the “fourth estate” that amplifies, documents, and brings critical human rights issues to public attention.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of the NHRC and its partners to strengthening justice delivery systems and enhancing the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
NHRC Honours Ford Foundation for Sustained Support to Human Rights in Nigeria
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
By: Michael Mike
In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.
According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.
“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”
Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics
Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.
The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.
Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.
Momentum Builds Toward 2027
Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.
Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid
By: Michael Mike
In a powerful demonstration of political loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, thousands of youths from Southern Borno Senatorial District on Saturday pooled N38.5 million to back the fifth-term ambition of Muhammadu Ali Ndume ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The fundraising event, held at Forshams Hall in Maiduguri, attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from all nine local government areas of the district. The contributors, largely youth groups and community associations, said their financial commitment was a deliberate move to retain what they described as a “fearless and people-driven legislator” in the Senate.
Leading the initiative, youth coordinator Alhaji Babandi Shehu said the intervention was not merely symbolic but a calculated political statement at a time when, according to him, Nigeria needs courageous voices in governance.
“Senator Ndume has distinguished himself as one of the few leaders who consistently speaks truth to power,” Shehu declared. “This is not just about funding forms; it is about safeguarding representation that prioritises the people and holds the executive accountable.”
The atmosphere at the venue reflected a rare level of political consensus, with chants of solidarity and pledges of continued support echoing throughout the gathering. Participants insisted that Ndume’s track record in both legislation and constituency development justifies their early and collective endorsement.
Reinforcing this position, Ndume’s Senior Legislative Aide, Junaid Jibril Maiva, outlined what he described as a legacy of impactful service spanning over a decade. He noted that the senator has sponsored more than 70 bills focused on national development while also facilitating landmark federal institutions in Southern Borno and the wider North-East.
Among these, he listed the Nigerian Army University, Biu, the North East Development Commission, and the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, as well as ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kwaya-Kusar and a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani.
Maiva further highlighted Ndume’s role in humanitarian interventions, particularly in communities devastated by insurgency. “Beyond legislation, he has directly supported resettlement efforts, including the construction of 200 housing units in Gwoza and 80 in Damboa for displaced families,” he said.
A breakdown of the funds raised showed a broad-based contribution pattern across the district. Biu, Kwaya-Kusar, Hawul, Bayo, and Shani collectively donated N8 million, Askira-Uba contributed N5 million, while Damboa added N2 million. Additional support came from trade and transport groups, including the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers and the Baga Road Timber Sellers Association, each donating N1 million.
Political observers say the scale and timing of the mobilisation point to a well-entrenched support base and a strategic effort to secure early momentum ahead of the 2027 race. The move also reflects a broader trend of pre-election alignment within the All Progressives Congress, as key actors position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral cycle.
A Career Shaped by Advocacy and Controversy
Since his election to the Senate in 2011, Ndume has remained one of the most outspoken members of the National Assembly of Nigeria. Representing a region at the heart of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, he has consistently pushed for stronger federal intervention in security, reconstruction, and humanitarian response.
His tenure has been marked by a willingness to challenge authority—even within his own party—earning him both admiration and criticism. Supporters view him as a principled advocate for accountability, while critics argue that his confrontational style sometimes stirs political tension.
Nonetheless, Saturday’s event suggests that within Southern Borno, his influence remains firmly intact.
Early Signals for 2027
With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the fundraising initiative underscores how political structures are already taking shape across Nigeria. For Ndume’s supporters, the message is clear: continuity, experience, and assertive representation are non-negotiable.
As the crowd dispersed in Maiduguri, one sentiment stood out—this was more than a fundraiser. It was an early declaration of intent, a grassroots-powered endorsement that could set the tone for the political battles ahead.
Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid
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