Supply Chain Management for Solar Equipment Distribution in North West Nigeria

The reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar energy system deployment in North West Nigeria depends substantially on the efficiency of supply chains connecting equipment manufacturers in Asia and Europe with final customers in Kano, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, yet supply chain disruptions, counterfeit products, and logistics inefficiencies represent persistent market development barriers. This study examines supply chain management practices for solar equipment distribution in North West Nigeria, evaluating procurement channels, quality control practices, inventory management, last-mile logistics, and after-sales service provision. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 solar equipment distributors and retailers operating in four state capitals, complemented by a mystery shopper exercise at 40 retail outlets to assess product quality and sales staff competency. Supply chain mapping documented the flow of panels, batteries, charge controllers, and accessories from port of entry through regional distributors to end-user installations. Results identify counterfeiting and substandard product infiltration as the most critical quality challenge, with 31 percent of sampled battery products failing basic performance tests. Logistics costs for last-mile delivery to rural areas add 18 to 27 percent to ex-warehouse equipment prices, significantly reducing affordability. The study recommends a regional solar quality assurance laboratory in Kano, coordinated product certification at ports of entry, and a shared last-mile logistics cooperative for small and medium solar distributors. Keywords: supply chain management, solar equipment, distribution, North West Nigeria, quality assurance.