The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigeria to stop importing solar panels from China and instead create an enabling environment for their local manufacture.
Okonjo-Iweala made the call on Friday in Zaria, Kaduna State, while delivering the 45th Pre-Convocation Lecture of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU.
Her lecture, titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context,” examined Africa’s position in a rapidly evolving global economic order.
According to the WTO chief, Nigeria must move beyond dependence on imported renewable energy technologies and deliberately invest in domestic manufacturing and deployment of solar and wind solutions.
She said such a transition would strengthen energy security, stimulate 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 share of global clean-energy investment.
However, she highlighted encouraging developments, including growth in manufacturing, services, digital innovation, renewable energy and mineral processing.
She cited the Dangote Refinery, a lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, as well as the rapid expansion of fintech and technology startups in Nigeria, as indicators of emerging opportunities.
Okonjo-Iweala urged African countries, particularly Nigeria, to position themselves strategically within the shifting global geopolitical and geostrategic landscape.
While acknowledging unprecedented disruption in the international system, she said the moment presents a historic opportunity for Africa to reposition itself as a 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 the continent could emerge stronger by improving domestic economic management, deepening regional integration and leveraging global supply-chain diversification.
She also stressed the need for better governance, improved infrastructure, lower trade costs, skills development and stronger investment facilitation to unlock Africa’s full potential.
Okonjo-Iweala commended Ahmadu Bello University for its contributions to national development and global scholarship, singling out renowned alumnus Prof. Rashid Sumaila, whose research helped shape a landmark WTO agreement on curbing harmful fisheries subsidies.
On his part, the ABU Vice-Chancellor, 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.
Ahmed also disclosed that the WTO Director-General would be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree at the university’s Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
The lecture formed 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 attracted academic leaders, policymakers, students and other dignitaries.
