Lagos: Mr. Dayo Olowoniyi, Technical Lead for Mission 300 in Nigeria, emphasized the critical role distributed solar energy plays in reaching over 70 million Nigerians currently without access to electricity. Olowoniyi made this statement during a renewable energy product launch organized by Sun King at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olowoniyi noted that Nigeria had recorded over five million new off-grid connections between 2025 and 2026. He added that distributed solar is one of the fastest methods to extend electricity to underserved communities. The Federal Government’s DARES programme, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and supported by $750 million from the World Bank, offers capital subsidies to renewable energy firms to lower solar costs for Nigerians.
Olowoniyi stressed the necessity of state government and private sector participation to deepen solar penetration in Nigeria, as the Federal Government cannot achieve this alone. Mission 300 aims to connect more than 300 million Africans to electricity, monitoring the pace of new connections and the deployment of solar home systems and productive-use equipment in Nigeria. He emphasized that sustained access to capital and increased private-sector involvement would be essential to maintain the pace of electricity connections.
Ms. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, stated that renewable energy could enhance the productivity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while supporting the state’s climate and sustainable-development goals. Oshodi highlighted the role of reliable energy in enabling businesses to operate essential equipment and support activities related to education, food preservation, water, and sanitation.
Mr. Lisbon Ogunsanmi, Country Business Manager, Sun King Nigeria, reported a significant increase in the company’s monthly solar-system sales, reflecting growing demand for alternative energy solutions. With over 200 trained installers and more than 136 operational shops, affordability remains a barrier to solar adoption. Ogunsanmi proposed financing models allowing regular payments over time to bridge the affordability gap.
Mr. Omoyemi Tuga, Vice President, Pay-As-You-Go Sales, West and Central Africa, Sun King, introduced new products like the 5 KVA Power Hub system and the 210-litre Power Freeze for households and businesses. The ‘EasyBuy’ financing model allows customers to make a down payment and pay weekly or monthly, facilitating access to reliable power for more businesses.
Catherine Mudachi, Vice President, Global Affairs and Marketing, Sun King, explained that their financing model helps small businesses pay for energy equipment from business income rather than making full payments upfront. Mudachi emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, private-sector operators, and financiers to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for underserved households and businesses.