Push for Local Production of Renewable Energy in Nigeria
Khalil Suleiman Khalil, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the National Science, Engineering and Infrastructure Agency (NASENI), has called on Nigeria to transition from merely adopting renewable energy technologies to actively manufacturing them domestically. He cautioned that the nation’s reliance on imports is hindering its industrial development.
Addressing attendees at the Mustafa Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship in Abuja, Mr. Khalil spoke on the theme of “Energy Infrastructure, Systems and Integration.” He emphasized that Nigeria’s clean energy future hinges on creating an integrated ecosystem that merges innovation, manufacturing, research, policy, financing, and skilled human capital, rather than merely focusing on energy deployment.
Mr. Khalil commended fellowship organizers Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Energy Commission, and Hon. Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader of the APC. He underscored the importance of investing in the next generation of energy leaders to build a sustainable national infrastructure.
Highlighting the significant energy challenges in Africa, the NASENI Director pointed out that over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to clean energy. He mentioned that the continent requires approximately $15 billion annually to address the energy access gap by 2035, noting that current solar power installations exceed 20 gigawatts. However, he stressed the need for accelerated deployment, as solar projects are projected to represent 62% of renewable energy investments by 2024.
Focusing on Nigeria, Mr. Khalil expressed concern over the country’s growing dependence on imported renewable energy technologies. He stated that Nigeria spent over ₦400 billion on solar power technology imports in 2025 alone, and the first half of 2026 saw over ₦200 billion in spending. These figures, he argued, are not just numbers but reflect lost opportunities for factory establishment, job creation, and economic growth.
Mr. Khalil emphasized that mere energy infrastructure cannot drive industrialization; sustainable development requires a cohesive system that integrates technology creation, manufacturing, innovation, policy, financing, and well-trained human resources. He elaborated that this philosophy underpins NASENI’s transformation agenda, which adheres to a 3C strategy: creation, collaboration, and commercialization.
The agency is dedicated to developing technologies that meet local challenges, fostering partnerships for technology transfer and capacity building, and commercializing research to transform innovations into products that enhance quality of life. He outlined several key initiatives designed to fortify Nigeria’s clean energy ecosystem, including a 40-hectare solar industrial park in Nasarawa State, aimed at localizing production of solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy components.
Mr. Khalil also noted NASENI’s collaboration with the Rural Electrification Authority under the Nigeria First policy to promote locally manufactured renewable energy technologies in electrification projects throughout the country. Among other initiatives, he mentioned solar-powered irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity, clean cookstoves to reduce reliance on firewood, and decentralized renewable energy solutions for schools, health facilities, and underserved communities.
He described these initiatives as interconnected interventions designed to strengthen local manufacturing, create job opportunities, enhance technical capacity, and broaden access to clean energy across Nigeria. Mr. Khalil encouraged participants to adopt a systems-thinking approach that connects technology with policy, innovation with investment, and ideas with implementation.
Nigeria possesses the resources, talent, and market potential to become Africa’s hub for clean energy manufacturing, Mr. Khalil stated. He emphasized the need for leaders ready to build institutions, strengthen value chains, and foster collaboration. Reiterating NASENI’s commitment to industrial transformation, he affirmed that the agency’s vision extends beyond merely expanding energy access. It aims to ensure that the technologies supporting Africa’s clean energy future are increasingly designed, manufactured, and commercialized within Nigeria.
He concluded by posing a thought-provoking question to participants: As Africa’s clean energy future unfolds, will Nigeria remain a consumer of these technologies or emerge as a key player in their development? He confidently stated that NASENI has made its choice clear, asserting, “We are making Nigeria a leader in clean energy production and innovation, while nurturing an ecosystem that can unlock limitless potential for generations to come.”
