George George Idowu
As Nigeria continues to confront persistent power supply challenges and an unreliable national grid, solar energy is emerging as a powerful solution to bridge the country’s energy gap. With millions of Nigerians living without reliable electricity, renewable energy offers not only hope but also vast opportunities for job creation and economic growth. Solar energy stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering cleaner, more reliable energy for households, businesses, and communities across the country.
In an exclusive interview, Bome Ojoboh, founder and CEO of Extreme Mutual Technique Limited, shared his journey in the renewable energy sector and discussed the potential of solar energy to reshape Nigeria’s power landscape.
Ojoboh’s entry into renewable energy stemmed from his desire to solve Nigeria’s energy crisis. “My journey into solar energy was inspired by the need to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions, particularly in off-grid areas,” he explained.
Leveraging his extensive background in project management and construction, he founded Extreme Mutual Technique Limited, a company focused on solar energy installations. Through his efforts, Ojoboh has been at the forefront of transforming communities by delivering clean, reliable electricity that not only powers homes but also stimulates economic activity.
Despite the clear potential of solar energy, its widespread adoption, particularly in rural Nigeria, remains a challenge. Ojoboh identified infrastructure and affordability as the two biggest hurdles.
“Many rural communities struggle with high upfront costs and lack the technical knowledge for installation and maintenance,” he noted. Beyond financial barriers, unreliable road networks and grid connectivity make it even harder to set up solar farms in remote areas.
However, Ojoboh sees financing options such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG) models and government subsidies as potential game-changers. These methods would spread the cost of solar installations over time, making solar energy more accessible to rural households.
To catalyze growth in the renewable energy sector, Ojoboh believes that the Nigerian government must offer more incentives for private investment. While the *Nigerian Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC)* has made progress through initiatives like the *Rural Electrification Fund*, more could be done to attract investment. Ojoboh advocates for tax incentives, grants, and reduced import duties on renewable energy components. He also emphasizes the need for streamlining regulatory processes and encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), which could bring in the necessary capital and expertise to scale solar energy projects.
With Nigeria’s national grid often failing to meet demand—generating only 4,000 MW of electricity despite having a capacity of 12,500 MW—solar energy could play a pivotal role in supplementing the country’s energy needs. Ojoboh sees solar energy as a key component in decentralizing power generation and stabilizing the grid. “Mini-grid and off-grid solar solutions offer alternative sources of power to underserved communities and reduce the burden on the national grid,” he explained.
By integrating solar energy into the national energy mix, particularly in regions far from existing grid infrastructure, Nigeria can increase power availability and ensure more consistent electricity supply.
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One of the biggest obstacles to solar energy adoption remains the high upfront cost. However, local solar companies can overcome this through innovative financing models such as leasing and PAYG solutions.
“These models allow consumers to pay for solar installations over time, making the technology more affordable,” Ojoboh said. PAYG models have already seen success in East Africa, and with adequate support from private investors and government programs, they could be replicated in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, over 85 million people still lack access to reliable electricity. According to Ojoboh, off-grid and mini-grid solar solutions are essential to bridging this energy gap, especially in rural areas. These systems operate independently of the national grid and offer consistent power to communities that would otherwise be left in the dark.
Successful deployments by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have shown the potential for solar-powered mini-grids to deliver reliable energy to rural areas, empowering local economies and improving quality of life.
Renewable energy companies in Nigeria face significant regulatory hurdles, particularly in obtaining licenses and navigating bureaucratic processes.
Ojoboh highlighted the delays many solar companies encounter when dealing with multiple regulatory agencies, including NERC. Furthermore, the absence of clear policies on net metering and feed-in tariffs complicates the process for companies looking to sell surplus energy back to the grid. Streamlining these processes and implementing clearer policies could significantly enhance the growth of the sector.
He believes that international partnerships are crucial for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy. Organizations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have already supported electrification projects in Nigeria, but more collaboration is needed to bring in expertise, technology, and funding.
He points to the success of Sosai Renewable Energies Company in Northern Nigeria as an example of what international partnerships can achieve. Sosai’s deployment of solar-powered water pumps and mini-grids has positively impacted over 100,000 households, improving agricultural productivity and providing reliable power for clinics and schools.
The future of renewable energy in Nigeria is bright, with solar energy set to play a major role in the country’s economic growth. According to a report by PwC, the renewable energy sector has the potential to create over 250,000 jobs in Nigeria by 2030, contributing billions to the economy. Ojoboh sees solar energy as a crucial component in helping Nigeria meet its climate goals and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
“By 2030, renewable energy could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP,” Ojoboh remarked. With the right policies and investment in place, solar energy could become a primary power source for households and industries alike, helping Nigeria build a sustainable, resilient energy future.
In conclusion, solar energy offers Nigeria a path to a more stable and prosperous future. By overcoming financial, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges, Nigeria can harness the full potential of solar energy to power its economy, create jobs, and improve the lives of millions of its citizens.
