At the same time, households and businesses are still searching for reliable technicians, and we’re seeing calls, referrals, and a lack of assurance.

In this interview, Ikechi Adolphus, CEO of Fixr speaks about the gap he and his co-founder, Olamide Akingbe, set out to close, explaining how a largely informal system left both customers and technicians exposed, and why trust became the centre of their model. 

Pointing to a shift already underway, unreliable power supply and high prices, more Nigerians are turning to solar, and that demand is feeding directly into their growth.

Fixr says it processed over ₦3 billion in transactions in the past year and helped customers secure more than ₦1 billion in financing for solar systems. This has changed how people find and pay for engineering services.

In this discussion, we focus on what is broken in the system, what it takes to build structure in a fragmented market, and why the company believes Nigerian technicians can compete far beyond the country’s borders.

TE: What gap in the engineering services market first made you think there was room for a platform like Fixr?

Ikechi Adolphus (IA): In many ways, we built Fixr for ourselves. Like many Nigerians, we have witnessed the difficulties that come with trying to hire a technician in Nigeria. But we also looked at where the market was going. Today, it’s a bit tougher to get skilled technicians for jobs in Nigeria. 

Beyond Nigeria, the demand for blue-collar workers is also growing in most countries in the West. Here in Nigeria, there’s a large, young populace in need of work and we believe that not only can we help to fix the quality issue that comes with hiring technicians, but we can also help to provide jobs both in Nigeria and outside the continent.

TE: Before Fixr, how were most households and businesses in Nigeria finding and hiring engineers, and what problems did that system create?

IA: Finding and hiring engineers before Fixr has mostly been through referrals and personal networks. You move into a new location, and you ask people who already live there for recommendations, or you ask friends and family for recommendations. Considering that the industry is mostly informal, there is a lack of proper vetting of both the skills and work ethics of the engineer. 

As a result, the person paying for the services is left to vet and filter the bad from the good technicians, which is not efficient. Sometimes, you find someone who is a great fit, and other times, you don’t. Technicians are also limited by geography and their marketing skills, which could cause them to use substandard and low-quality materials in some cases in order to maximise earnings from each gig. 

There is also no structured personal development plan for these technicians, making growth difficult and near impossible.

TE: Fixr processed over ₦3 billion in GMV in the past year. What do you think is driving that level of demand?

IA: Market reorientation generally and trust. Solar and renewable energy were big drivers for the sales, and that is because customers are moving from complete dependence on the grid to a more sustainable and predictable source of electricity (solar). Even though it’s expensive, Fixr, through its partners, is making it affordable to access and acquire. 

This market reorientation makes it easy to close customers and drive growth. Given our standard, we have many customers trusting us for their other appliances and engineering needs, particularly in the HVAC category, surveillance and CCTV, fibre optics and home automation.

TE: Trust is a major concern when people hire technicians. How does Fixr ensure customers feel confident about the people coming into their homes or workplaces?

IA: Effective communication. People don’t really trust technicians; they trust us, Fixr. That is because, from when we establish communication to getting the job done, we maintain effective communication. We do this to ensure they trust that we will get the best technicians. They trust that we’ve done due diligence on the technicians; they trust our technicians are well-behaved and well-mannered. 

When there are delays or unexpected challenges, we communicate to the client. We also back that up with the Fixr trust and warranty to ensure customers are indemnified for any issues that come up. Customers know our technicians won’t fix their appliance with substandard materials or damage it further.

TE: You’ve helped customers access more than ₦1 billion in financing to switch to solar. What does that say about how quickly demand for alternative energy is growing?

IA: Over the past two years in Nigeria, the cost of grid electricity has risen sharply, alongside fuel and diesel prices. Despite these increases, power supply has not become more reliable, forcing individuals and businesses to seek alternatives.

For businesses in particular, where energy is a major cost centre, reducing that expense becomes critical.

Renewable energy is emerging as a credible option, not necessarily because it is cheaper upfront, but because it offers predictability. In an environment defined by uncertainty, that predictability is highly valuable.

TE: You’re expanding into other African markets. What differences have you noticed so far in how engineering services operate across the continent?

IA: Other African markets still suffer from the same inefficiency, and so the problems are identical. The difference is the purchasing power. In other markets, customers can pay 30% or 40% more than in the Nigerian market. Given that the skill set is the same and the opportunities are relatively similar, and given the cost of execution and potential opportunity, it makes sense to enter these other markets. 

The Nigerian market gives us the opportunity to iterate and build scalable solutions with minimal overhead cost. Applying the solutions to other markets gives us the opportunity to reduce our operational risk by diversifying revenue sources.

TE: Building reliable service infrastructure across several sectors isn’t simple. What has been the hardest part of scaling Fixr?

IA: The reality is that you have to build almost everything you need yourself or find a way to adapt what exists to fit your goals. The supporting infrastructure simply isn’t there. Markets, for instance, are largely driven by individuals and small businesses, while the manufacturing of key components often happens outside those markets. 

Technical skills development is mostly handled by government institutions that tend to be inefficient, and the responsibility for training frequently falls on individuals who may not have the capacity to do it effectively.

As a result, there’s no cohesive ecosystem, no network of builders, specialists, and institutions working toward shared goals in a way that compounds value and strengthens the market.

TE: You’ve said the long-term goal is to compete globally. What would a globally competitive engineering services platform built from Africa look like in practice?

IA: In a world where electrical technicians are as exceptional as LeBron James, Fixr becomes the NBA – the platform that unlocks their full potential. We want to enable technicians to work from anywhere in the world, with clear pathways for where and how they can operate, the skills they need, and the standards they must meet. 

Equipped with the right tools, training, and mindset, they are no longer limited by geography, access, or gaps in knowledge but empowered to perform at the highest level wherever they are.

In her new role, Adesanya will oversee Bboxx Nigeria’s participation in the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) fund.

The company plans to reach more than 100,000 households in 2026, providing off-grid solar systems, solar-powered irrigation for farmers and financing for smartphones.

Anthony Osijo, Group CEO, Abci-Nexus, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ene into the role of Managing Director for Bboxx Nigeria. This transition highlights Bboxx’s commitment to developing internal talent, promoting from within and ensuring consistent, strong leadership as we continue to double down on our key markets.”

Adesanya brings over 17 years of experience in finance and business leadership. Prior to her appointment, she served as Head of Finance at Bboxx Nigeria, where she supported market expansion, strengthened financial governance, and delivered value across both commercial and donor-funded programmes.

“I joined Bboxx because I believe in building sustainable, impact-driven energy businesses that deliver real change,” Adesanya said:

“Through our participation in the DARES fund and our range of energy and financing solutions, we are well-positioned to significantly expand access to essential services for Nigerian households and businesses in 2026 and beyond.”

Adesanya succeeds Ernest Akinlola, who stepped down at the end of January after five years in the role. While he is no longer managing day-to-day operations, Akinlola will continue to support the business as a member of the Bboxx Energy Access Nigeria board.

Osijo acknowledged his contribution, saying, “I would like to thank Ernest for his significant contributions to Bboxx Nigeria; during his time here, he has helped drive the renewable energy agenda in Africa’s most populous country.”

With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has consistently championed the integration of clean energy solutions that reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and transform communities.

Iwayemi recently delivered a scalable 250-kilowatt-hour solar photovoltaic/battery system to power the Lagos State Multipurpose Agent Complex (LSMAC). 

The newly installed system supports multiple functions of the complex, ensuring seamless operation of security, communication, and networking infrastructure. 

“This project marks a major step toward the Lagos State government’s goal of achieving smarter, sustainable infrastructure. The PV/Battery solution provided clean, stable power for our critical security and communication systems, helping us maintain high service standards,” said Iwayemi, who served as the project lead.

Tanwa’s journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Ado Ekiti, followed by an MBA from the University of the People, California, and a Master’s in Energy Engineering from the University of North Dakota, where she is currently pursuing her PhD in Energy Engineering. 

Her academic achievements, combined with advanced training in business management and leadership, uniquely equip her to navigate both the technical and strategic challenges of Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

Professionally, she has held pivotal roles in the renewable energy sector, most notably at AtneSystems Energy in Lagos.

Under her leadership, the company has executed high-profile Solar PV/Battery storage projects for residential, commercial, and government clients, while also building strong international partnerships with manufacturers and specialists in India, China, and the UAE. 

These collaborations have fueled operational growth, expanded client reach, and enhanced energy access across Nigeria.

Her impressive portfolio also includes a 22kW/100kWh battery storage system for the GIS Studio in Osun State (2013), 40kW/168kWh systems for Polaris Digitech (2011), and large-scale university integrations such as a 60kW/240kWh solution for the University of Lagos (2010–2015). 

She has also led deployments for organisations like Greenwich Trust, SO & U Saatchi & Saatchi, and other corporate clients.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tanwa Iwayemi is a pioneer in hybrid energy storage research, focusing on the integration of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheels for both grid-tied and off-grid applications. 

Her collaborative research at the University of North Dakota achieved an impressive 93% round-trip efficiency, showcasing the potential of scalable, cost-effective solutions to address renewable intermittency.

Iwayemi, a passionate advocate for clean energy access, is an Africa Innovation Fellowship 2023 cohort fellow, a COREN SPVI-certified engineer, and an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, and the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A), where she supports initiatives like One Solar Reading Lamp per Child to promote education and poverty alleviation. 

Internationally, she engages with networks such as Women in Engineering and the Climate Change Lobby in North Dakota, USA.

Her thought leadership extends to academic contributions, including published research on IoT, Big Data optimisation for renewable systems, and hybrid energy storage integration, featured in the International Journal of Novel Research and Development.

On July 3, 2025, Tanwa Iwayemi was honoured with the Award of Excellence by WIRE-A, recognising her outstanding contributions to energy innovation, renewable integration, and green technology research.

“Driven by a vision of a cleaner, more equitable energy future for Africa, every project I lead is more than just technology; it is about creating lasting social and environmental impact,” said Iwayemi.

AtneSystems Energy is a Lagos-based renewable energy company delivering advanced solar and battery storage solutions to residential, commercial, and government clients.

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact, the company is at the forefront of Africa’s transition to clean energy.

These compact, easy-to-install solar solutions aim to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on unstable grid power and costly generators. With a focus on practicality and safety, the products promise quicker installation and lower running costs for households and small businesses alike.

During the high-impact Channel Launch held recently in Lagos, itel Energy reaffirmed its commitment to powering Nigerian homes and businesses with smart, reliable, and affordable solar energy technologies.

The event attracted an impressive gathering of distributors, EPC partners, key stakeholders, and media professionals who witnessed what the company calls the future of clean, accessible energy in Nigeria.

The newly launched products, the Power Tank 500W AIO and the 3.6kW + 8kWh AIO, are designed to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges with compact, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solutions. Prioritising safety, reliability, and affordability, the new AIO offerings mark a bold step forward in itel Energy’s mission to drive energy independence across the country.

“We are proud to introduce products that solve the real challenges Nigerians face with energy, and also create new opportunities for our partners across the country,” said Lu Liang, Director, West Africa, itel Energy, during his keynote speech.

Liang further highlighted itel’s long-standing relationship with the Nigerian market. He said, “This vision didn’t just start. itel has been in Nigeria for over a decade, growing from a trusted mobile phone brand into a household name known for affordability, accessibility, and reliability. We have built our reputation by listening to everyday Nigerians and creating solutions that truly serve them. With itel Energy, we are now extending that same promise, from mobile connectivity to energy security.”

The Power Tank 500W AIO is a sleek, compact, wall-mounted unit that offers 10ms seamless power switching, a 1kWh lithium battery, fast charging (fully charged in 2 hours), and critical safety features such as overload and overheat protection.

On the other hand, the 3.6kW + 8kWh AIO, ideal for family homes and small businesses, features a smart hybrid-ready system, space-saving design, automatic load management, 2-year replacement warranty, and a 50% cost-saving on installation. It’s a plug-and-play powerhouse for a country seeking reliable backup energy solutions.

The launch event was hosted by renowned TV personality and Big Brother Africa Season 5 winner, Uti Nwachukwu, who brought charisma and flair to the occasion. Special appearances were also made by Kellyrae, winner of Big Brother Nigeria Season 9, and Kassia, an ex-housemate of the same season. Both celebrities engaged attendees and added star power to an already impactful event.

Beyond product reveals, the channel meeting served as a dynamic platform for product demonstrations, business conversations, and fireside chats with itel Energy’s top distributors and sales leaders. Attendees explored the full product functionality, asked questions, and placed orders, with exclusive launch-day incentives helping to drive immediate market traction.

itel Energy also revealed plans to expand its awareness campaign with similar channel meetings in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Warri, strengthening its presence and dealer network nationwide.

During his closing remarks, Olaotan Fawehinmi, PR Manager at itel Energy, assured Nigerians of the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions, promising that itel Energy will continue to open new chapters and frontiers that will revolutionise how we experience and interact with energy.

According to him, “We are democratising energy access, reducing dependence on erratic power supply, and empowering every household and business with smart, clean, and affordable energy solutions. At itel Energy, we believe the future is equitable, reliable, and renewable.”

Fawehinmi enjoined attendees to become part of itel Energy’s mission to make green energy a daily reality for millions of Nigerians, emphasising that true change begins with collective action.

itel Energy is a forward-thinking solar energy company committed to making clean, reliable power accessible to homes and small businesses across Nigeria and West Africa. Through cutting-edge technology and a customer-first philosophy, itel Energy delivers safe, efficient, and affordable energy storage solutions tailored to real-life needs.