The Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched its groundbreaking ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform, a comprehensive initiative aimed at tackling Nigeria’s persistent power outages and accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
This one-stop-shop for clean and affordable decentralized renewable energy (DER) solutions seeks to empower Nigerian households, businesses, and communities to transition away from the unreliable national grid and polluting generators.
Speaking at a workshop themed, ‘Overcoming Barriers to a Sustainable Energy Future’ in Lagos, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, the executive director of CADEF, explained that the platform’s launch marks a significant step towards democratizing access to information and resources within Nigeria’s burgeoning sustainable energy sector, potentially paving the way for greater consumer participation and a more rapid transition to cleaner energy sources.
The ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform, developed after extensive research across 12 states and a global review of DER adoption, promises to be an inclusive tool.
Professor Ndukwe-Okafor stated,
“We have tailored content for homeowners, small businesses, and even large-scale energy users. This is a tool for empowerment, not just for the elite, but for everyone.”
The platform will connect consumers with verified solar and battery vendors, provide a directory for clean energy seekers, and serve as an educational hub to demystify DER solutions.
The initiative has received international recognition, with Consumers International inviting CADEF to mentor organizations in Chile, Colombia, and Thailand in developing similar platforms, highlighting the global interest in CADEF’s innovative approach.
However, Professor Ndukwe-Okafor also addressed existing challenges.
“The recent federal plan on restrictions on the importation of solar products and the fluctuation of forex rate have made clean energy solutions costly for both vendors and energy users. The average Nigerian wants solar but can’t afford it. The average vendor wants to serve, but supply chain issues block their way.”
Despite these hurdles, momentum for change is growing, particularly at the state level.
Kamaldeen Abiodun-Balogun, the General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), outlined the state’s proactive approach following the enactment of the Lagos State Electricity Law.
“This law enabled us to create policy documents and establish regulatory agencies to initiate the implementation of the Lagos electricity market,” he explained.
He further detailed measures to ensure timely payments within the energy value chain and comprehensive metering from source to end-users.
Balogun also addressed infrastructure gaps, noting the aged infrastructure of existing Discos. He stated the state’s intention to utilize the existing network while setting clear performance indicators (KPIs) and engaging private sector participants in areas where Discos underperform. “Private sector will move in, invest in those areas and ensure there’s a reliable and sustainable power supply, and they will be paid through the tariff.”
Segun Adaju, a private sector player, commended Lagos State’s leadership.
“In all these, Lagos State is always setting the pace. Many of us in the private sector players like myself, we are also looking up to Lagos State to set the pace,” he said, emphasizing Lagos’s potential to address the national grid’s illiquidity.
He also mentioned his involvement in developing the Centralized Renewable Energy Desk for Lagos State.
The panel discussion, moderated by Olumide Ajayi, highlighted the critical energy situation in Nigeria. “Over 40% of Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity… we cannot end poverty without energy,” he stated.
Professor Ndukwe-Okafor concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the platform’s alignment with the national 30-30-30 initiative and urging for a democratized clean energy future.
“This platform is not an isolated intervention. It is aligned with our ideal country’s national vision, the 30-30-30 initiative. Let us not build a solar future that only serves the wealthy. Let us democratize clean energy. Let us make it local, inclusive, and scalable.”
The launch of “Renew Energy Nigeria” signifies a significant stride towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Nigeria, driven by innovation, collaboration, and citizen empowerment.
The platform is now accessible to all Nigerians seeking reliable and clean energy alternatives.
