The Federal Government has unveiled plans to ban the importation of solar panels to promote local manufacturing and accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward clean energy solutions.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, disclosed this during the recent unveiling of the NEV T6 electric buses in Abuja. He explained that the decision aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which prioritises local content in science, engineering, and technology.

According to Nnaji, Nigeria is making significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and can meet its solar energy needs locally. He highlighted the role of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and other private manufacturers in driving solar panel production within the country.

“We have lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, so Mr. President is already taking action. The lithium we have will be processed and used as batteries for electric vehicles,” he stated.

Nnaji also projected that expanding local solar panel manufacturing will enable more homes and institutions to transition to off-grid power solutions, reducing dependence on the national grid and fossil fuels.

Regarding concerns about Nigeria’s power supply and its impact on electric vehicle adoption, Nnaji clarified that the country is already deploying mini-grid solutions to enhance energy access.

“We have power. It depends on the source of power we are talking about. Today, if you look at our budget, you will see mini-grids everywhere. In less than four months, hospitals and institutions will be powered by solar,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the government is actively reducing reliance on diesel and petrol-powered energy sources by investing in non-carbon emission infrastructure.

As part of its broader strategy, the government intends to support local manufacturers and ensure that Nigerian-made solar panels become the primary source for domestic and commercial energy solutions.

“With NASENI and other private manufacturers already producing solar panels, we will stop importation and focus on growing our local industry. Soon, most houses will go off-grid. Personally, I have been off-grid for over three years, and it is working,” Nnaji stated.

This move signals a bold step towards energy self-sufficiency, fostering job creation, technological innovation, and a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

Following the Nigerian Air Force Selection Board Interview conducted from 6 – 26 January 2025 for the Direct Short Service Commission Course (DSSC33/2024), the list of successful candidates has been released.

Inline with the above, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to inform the general public that the list of successful candidates for the Direct Short Service Commission Course (DSSC 33/2024) has been published on the official NAF Recruitment Portal https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng

Successful candidates are to report for training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. Failure to report by 1800hrs (6:00 PM) on Monday, 7 April 2025, will result in forfeiture of the training slot.

Applicants are to Download List Of successful candidates here and to also find out more information on what candidates must come along with to the training.

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed over ₦72 million in student loans to 1,607 students across three tertiary institutions, aiming to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees. The beneficiaries include the Federal College of Education, Obudu; Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna; and Adamawa State University, Mubi.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, highlighting the disbursement as a demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to enhancing educational access and reducing financial barriers for students nationwide.

The Federal College of Education, Obudu, received a total of ₦21,789,500, distributed in two tranches. The first tranche, amounting to ₦14,320,500, was disbursed in October 2024 to 215 students, while the second tranche of ₦7,469,000 was disbursed on March 5, 2025, to 107 students. Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, received ₦2,900,000 to cover the tuition fees of nine students. The university’s registrar, Dr. Garba Abdullahi, confirmed receipt of the funds and expressed gratitude for the initiative.

Adamawa State University, Mubi, received the largest allocation of ₦47,621,121, benefiting 1,283 students. The institution’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ibrahim Bwatanglang, acknowledged the disbursement and expressed hope for continued collaboration with NELFUND.

The management of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, commended NELFUND for the smooth and transparent disbursement process. Similarly, Abdulkadir Kure University acknowledged the significant financial relief provided to its students. Adamawa State University assured NELFUND of the responsible use of the funds and requested a list of shortlisted beneficiaries for the next disbursement.

NELFUND reiterated its commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified Nigerian students from accessing higher education, stating that further disbursements will follow in the coming months to expand the program’s reach.