Lagos: The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has announced a partnership with LPV Technologies aimed at promoting renewable energy access and youth empowerment in the region. Miss Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSDC, revealed this collaboration during a tour of LPV Technologies’ solar panel manufacturing plant in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpabio emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on clean energy transition, local content promotion, and regional industrialization. This engagement follows a previous meeting with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), identifying LPV Technologies as a suitable indigenous partner for the initiative.
Akpabio highlighted the importance of skills transfer for youth, stating that renewable solar energy is a sustainable and safer power option. She stressed that renewable energy could address the power challenges in the South-South, benefiting sectors like health, education, and social services.
The SSDC plans to establish solar training hubs in collaboration with LPV Technologies to develop skills in solar installation, maintenance, and production. Akpabio noted that involving local players would ensure accessibility and sustainability, reducing dependence on imported solar products.
She also pointed out that supporting local manufacturers could lower import costs and improve logistics within the region. Akpabio expressed satisfaction with LPV Technologies’ adherence to global standards in production and quality assurance, highlighting the company’s commitment to quality with a 25-year lifespan warranty for its products.
Mr Nzan Ogbe, Managing Director of LPV Technologies, remarked that the partnership would aid SSDC’s efforts to enhance energy access in rural communities. He disclosed that the company’s current production capacity is 100 megawatts, with plans to increase to 300 megawatts within six months.
Ogbe added that LPV Technologies is capable of producing 180,000 solar panels annually, currently manufacturing 300 panels daily. The company will also work with SSDC to establish mini-grids, solar training centres, and distribution hubs across the South-South states.
LPV Technologies has already achieved its first export of Nigerian-made solar panels to Ghana and is expanding its reach to Togo, Cameroon, and Benin Republic. Ogbe emphasized that the company’s local production model aims to shorten supply chains and provide affordable, high-quality solar solutions to Nigerian consumers.