The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to revolutionize the nation’s energy sector by partnering with private sector investors to boost local battery production, scale renewable energy solutions, and expand access to cleaner and more affordable fuel alternatives.
This initiative is expected to reduce the country’s overdependence on imported energy technologies, create thousands of jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for green energy innovation.
Speaking at the launch of a mobile solar generator and youth innovation bootcamp on Thursday, Mustapha Abdullahi, CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), revealed that the government is taking practical steps to localize lithium battery and solar component production.
“Nigeria is very rich in mineral resources. We have lithium in almost every state in the country.
It baffles us why Nigeria is still dependent on imported lithium batteries. The government is taking a huge step to domesticize and scale up production here at home,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that negotiations with leading global manufacturers in China and the United Kingdom have been finalized, signaling a significant investment in domestic solar and battery production.
“We’ve signed MOUs with some of the largest producers of solar components. They are coming to Nigeria to set up factories and begin mass production,” Abdullahi explained.
The ECN pilot project has already produced solar modules capable of generating approximately 10,000 kWh annually, but Abdullahi noted that scaling production is essential to meet growing domestic demand.
“Once mass production starts, the President is prepared to ban importation of lithium batteries and solar panels, emphasizing local content and self-reliance in technology,” he said.
Abdul Gbadamosi, CEO of Citibim Nigeria Limited, highlighted the broader benefits of Nigeria’s renewable energy drive, focusing on skill development and job creation.
He stressed that the company’s mobile solar generators are not just energy solutions but also platforms for generating income and fostering technological innovation.
“Nigeria struggles with energy access, and generators are ubiquitous in businesses and homes.
Our mobile solar solution provides a reliable, clean alternative while enabling users to earn income by renting energy capsules within their communities,” Gbadamosi said.
He added that the bootcamp launched alongside the solar generator initiative is designed to train youths in AI, geo-intelligence, and virtual reality technologies, preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing green energy sector.
According to Gbadamosi, the project is expected to benefit over 120 youths, including students, corps members, and early-career professionals.
The initiative is backed by government support, international partners, and internal company resources to ensure scalability and sustainability.
On the natural gas front, Jide Awolowo, Investment Facilitation Coordinator for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, outlined progress in providing Nigerians with cheaper and cleaner fuel alternatives.
“We have converted over 100,000 vehicles to run on CNG. By 2027, our goal is to convert a million cars.
The increase in conversion centres—from 11 to over 300 currently, with plans to reach 10,000 by 2027—demonstrates the sector’s rapid growth and employment potential,” Awolowo stated.
The CNG initiative also attracted more than $1 billion in private sector investments, reflecting strong market confidence in the viability of cleaner fuel alternatives in Nigeria.
“Training youths for this sector is crucial to ensure a skilled workforce is ready to support this ambitious expansion,” Awolowo added.
The Federal Government’s efforts are part of a broader policy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, with a particular focus on renewable energy.
President Tinubu has emphasized that at least 30 percent of Nigeria’s energy generation should come from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and hydro, reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as natural gas.
“The government is not only providing policy support but also facilitating private investments and partnerships to ensure sustainable energy development across Nigeria,” Abdullahi noted.
Nigeria’s push to localize battery and solar production is expected to stimulate economic growth and reduce the country’s dependency on imported technology.
With abundant lithium resources and a growing renewable energy market, industry experts say Nigeria has the potential to become a regional hub for battery and solar manufacturing.
“The local production of lithium batteries and solar panels will not only improve energy access but also create thousands of jobs and foster industrial development,” Abdullahi said.
The expansion of mobile solar generators and CNG vehicles is poised to lower energy costs for both households and businesses.
By enabling communities to generate and monetize energy, the initiatives offer economic empowerment alongside environmental benefits.
Citizens can earn between N20,000 and N30,000 monthly by renting solar energy capsules, a model akin to POS merchant transactions.
Officials are optimistic that ongoing investor engagement will attract additional capital and expertise to scale local production.
The government has already secured MOUs with major international solar component manufacturers and is actively promoting the renewable energy sector as a lucrative investment opportunity.
“This is a decisive step toward self-sufficiency in energy technology, while also addressing Nigeria’s long-standing power supply challenges,” Abdullahi said.
Nigeria’s partnership with private investors to boost local lithium battery production, solar energy access, and CNG adoption signals a transformative approach to energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
With ambitious targets set for 2027, including one million CNG vehicle conversions and 10,000 conversion centres, the Federal Government aims to create a vibrant green energy ecosystem that offers employment, innovation, and cleaner energy for all Nigerians.