The most recent Foreign Trade Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that Nigerians spent about N242.68bn on the importation of solar panels. This happened in the first half of 2025. It underscores the country’s sustained demand for renewable energy solutions.

The report also showed solar panels among Nigeria’s top imported commodities.

The report stated that Nigeria imported photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels valued at N125.29bn between January and March 2025. It added that the second quarter recorded imports worth N117.39bn. This brought the total for the first half of the year to N242.68bn.

Meanwhile, the six-month figure marked a sharp decline compared to the N237.3bn recorded in the final quarter of 2024. This indicated a slowdown in import demand.

It would be recalled that Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, recently stated that Nigeria’s installed solar module manufacturing capacity had increased to 600 megawatts, up from 110 megawatts previously.

He listed key facilities as part of the country’s localization drive. These included a 100MW plant in Lagos, a 250MW facility in Abuja, and others in Idu and Port Harcourt.

Also in March, Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Science and Technology, announced that the Federal Government would soon restrict solar panel imports under Executive Order. This order prioritizes local content in science, engineering, and technology.

He mentioned that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and private investors had already commenced production. He insisted that local output could meet domestic demand.

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