Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, disclosed in an interview during the unveiling of the NEV T6 electric buses in Abuja recently. He said the move aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which seeks to promote local content in science, engineering, and technology.

According to him, the country is already making significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, adding that Nigeria has the capacity to meet its solar energy demands locally, with organisations like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) playing a key role in solar panel production.

Nnaji also projected that, with the expansion of local solar panel manufacturing, more Nigerian homes and institutions would transition to off-grid power solutions

He said: “We have lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, so Mr. President is already taking action. We are adding value to our raw materials. The lithium we have here will be processed and used as batteries for these vehicles.”

Reacting to a question as to how the country intends to tackle its power challenges to encourage adoption of electric vehicles, the minister said: “Let me correct you. We have power. It depends on the source of power we are talking about. Today, if you look at our budgets, we have what is called mini-grids all over the place. In less than three or four months, you will start seeing our hospitals and institutions being powered by solar. Again, we are saving the environment. We are putting in place non-carbon emission infrastructure. So, we are creating power everywhere.

“It is not about using diesel, it is not about using PMS, it is not about generating the kinds of power that will pollute the environment. With NASENI here, you know that we have panels. It has a factory that has started producing solar panels and other private individuals are also producing solar panels as we speak. So, all we need to do is, even through science and technology, through our Presidential Executive Order No. 5, we will stop all these importations of solar panels.

“We will support our local industries to grow and very soon, most houses will go off-grid. Personally, I have been off-grid for over three years and it is working.”

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