By Abdullahi Lukman
A legal practitioner and renewable energy advocate, Dr. Balarade Ahmed,
has called for the expansion of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)’s mandate to include mass production of solar panels and high-capacity batteries in Nigeria.
In an interview in Abuja on Monday, April 14, 2025, Ahmed argued that NASENI’s current role in fostering indigenous technology and infrastructure development should be extended to actively support the country’s transition to clean energy.
“Establishing large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities and battery production plants under NASENI would be a game changer for the renewable energy sector,” he said.
Ahmed, who completed his PhD in 2024 with a dissertation focused on solar entrepreneurship in Nigeria, highlighted the challenges facing local players in the solar industry.
According to him, uncertainties surrounding policy, exchange rates, customer purchasing power, security, and environmental factors hinder the growth of solar businesses.
He explained that the dominance of imported solar panels and accessories poses a threat to local businesses, noting that government involvement through NASENI could stabilize the sector and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign energy technologies.
Ahmed also urged Solar Photovoltaic Entrepreneurs (SPVEs) to adopt Business Model Innovation (BMI) to better respond to the evolving market and reduce the cost of solar energy for Nigerians.
BMI, he said, involves rethinking how value is created and delivered, which could help expand energy access, especially in off-grid and energy-poor communities.
“There’s a critical need for entrepreneurs to participate in policy formulation and implementation. At the same time, government agencies must provide information-sharing platforms and reliable financial support mechanisms to sustain the growth of the sector,” he added.
NASENI’s current mandate includes the development of science, engineering, and technology infrastructure to support industrialisation in Nigeria.
However, Ahmed’s call suggests a more active role for the agency in renewable energy production, aligning with national goals for sustainable development and energy security.