Renewable energy investment key to stable power supply — Expert
Lagos, May 2026 (TBL Africa) A renewable energy expert, Mr Segun Ajayi, says Nigeria can achieve stable electricity supply only through sustained investment in renewable energy, supportive policies, modern infrastructure and skilled manpower development.
Ajayi, Solar Systems Installation Manager, Pure Volt Power Ltd., said this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.
He said the country possesses enormous renewable energy potential that remained largely untapped in spite of persistent power shortages across the country.
According to him, clear and consistent government policies are critical to attracting investors and accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions.
“The government must create stable and transparent policies that support renewable energy development.
“Once investors see consistency and commitment, confidence in the sector will grow and electricity supply will improve significantly,” he said.
Ajayi, a certified solar systems installer emphasised reduction in dependence on fossil fuels but suggested cleaner energy sources such as solar, hydro, biomass and wind power.
He described solar and hydro energy as the country’s most viable renewable resources, noting that both remain underutilised.
“These resources should be the country’s primary focus because they have the capacity to transform power generation nationwide,” the expert said.
Ajayi added that biomass energy also holds strong potential but had received limited attention, while wind energy remained largely underdeveloped.
On infrastructure, he called for the deployment of hybrid energy systems integrating renewable energy with the national grid to improve electricity reliability.
“We must integrate solar power with the existing grid system.
“Battery storage systems, smart meters and mini-grids are also essential if we want to improve efficiency and provide electricity to underserved rural communities,” the expert said.
Ajayi identified financing as a major challenge limiting growth in the renewable energy sector.
According to him, stronger collaboration among government, private investors and international development partners is necessary to fund renewable energy projects.
“We need more public and private sector investment as well as international support.
“Green bonds and flexible financing models can help make renewable energy projects more sustainable and accessible,” Ajayi said.
He also advocated flexible payment plans that would enable households and small businesses to acquire solar systems through instalments.
“Flexible payment options will make solar energy accessible to millions of households and small businesses,” he said.
Ajayi stressed the need for greater investment in human capital development to sustain long-term growth in the sector.
“Skill development is critical.
“Renewable energy education should be introduced at different levels to build local expertise and reduce dependence on foreign technical support,” he said.
He also called for increased support for local manufacturing of renewable energy components to strengthen the industry, create jobs and reduce import dependence.
Ajayi said Nigeria could overcome its electricity challenges through stronger collaboration among government, investors and industry stakeholders.
“A coordinated national approach is the only path to achieving stable, sustainable and affordable electricity for Nigerians,” he said.
