The Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr (Mrs.). Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria should stop importing solar panels from China and instead create the right environment for their local manufacture within the country.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala made the call on Friday in Zaria, Kaduna State, while delivering Ahmadu Bello University’s (ABU) 45th Pre-Convocation Lecture.
The lecture, titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context,” focused on Africa’s place in a rapidly changing global economic order.
According to the WTO boss, Nigeria must move beyond the importation of renewable energy technologies and invest deliberately in local manufacturing and deployment of solar and wind solutions.
She stressed that such a shift would strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and create jobs across the country.
Despite Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, Okonjo-Iweala noted that the continent continues to attract only a small fraction of global clean-energy investment.
However, she pointed to positive developments across Africa, including growth in manufacturing, services, digital innovation, renewable energy and mineral processing.
She cited Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, a lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, as well as the rise of fintech and technology startups, as indicators of emerging opportunities.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala urged African countries, particularly Nigeria, to position themselves strategically within the evolving global geopolitical and geostrategic landscape.
While acknowledging that the international system is facing unprecedented disruption, she said the current situation presents a historic opportunity for Africa to reposition itself as a key driver of global growth, trade and innovation.
“Africa must engage the world not as a supplicant for dwindling aid, but as an attractive destination for investment, trade and value-added production,” she said.
She added that Africa could emerge stronger if it strengthens domestic economic management, deepens regional integration and takes advantage of global supply chain diversification.
The WTO director-general also emphasised the need for better governance, improved infrastructure, reduced trade costs, skills development and stronger investment facilitation to unlock the continent’s full potential.
Okonjo-Iweala commended Ahmadu Bello University for its contributions to national development and global scholarship, highlighting renowned alumnus Prof. Rashid Sumaila, whose research helped influence a landmark WTO agreement on curbing harmful fisheries subsidies.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described Okonjo-Iweala as a “distinguished daughter of Africa” and said the university was honoured to host her at a time of global economic uncertainty.
“We are grateful that you chose to share your time and global economic experiences with the academic community of Ahmadu Bello University,” he said.
Prof. Ahmed also disclosed that the WTO Director-General would be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree during the university’s Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
The lecture was part of activities marking ABU’s 45th Convocation Ceremony and was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed.
The event was attended by academic leaders, policymakers, students and other dignitaries.