Participants at a community walk organised by JMG Limited in Lagos have drawn attention to Nigeria’s deepening energy challenges, with stakeholders highlighting the need for sustainable, engineering-driven solutions as the cost of conventional energy sources continues to rise.

The exercise, held to mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, brought together members of staff, residents, engineering students, and industry professionals, including members of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) and the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE).

Beyond the physical activity, conversations during the walk reflected growing concern over unreliable grid supply and the mounting burden of diesel and petrol costs on households and businesses.

Chief Commercial Officer of JMG, Rabi Jammal, who spoke at the event, said the initiative was aimed at deepening awareness around sustainable engineering practices, noting that the conversation extends beyond solar power alone.

“We want to shine a light on a very important issue: sustainable engineering. It’s about designing systems that are efficient, reliable, and built to last,” he stressed.

He said that while solar energy remains a key component, broader engineering solutions are required to address Nigeria’s energy deficit, adding: “Solar energy is one part of that conversation, but the bigger picture is how engineering can sustainably power our lives and industries.”

Meanwhile, as Nigeria’s persistent power supply gaps, coupled with volatile fuel prices, have continued to drive interest in off-grid and hybrid energy systems, analysts noted that rising costs of diesel and petrol had made alternative energy sources increasingly attractive, particularly for businesses seeking to reduce operating expenses.

Jammal observed that solar adoption is gaining traction across the country, driven by growing confidence in the technology and its long-term cost advantages.

“It is growing day by day. We are very glad to see that the technology is being believed in and it’s successful,” he said, adding that traditional energy sources are becoming less sustainable due to escalating costs.

Beyond individual adoption, JMG is advocating a more integrated approach to energy use, combining solar with broader engineering systems, such as power generation infrastructure, cooling solutions, and electrical installations.

Industry experts at the event, therefore, said that such integration could improve efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Plant Manager at JMG, Fouad El Chami, emphasised that sustainable engineering must focus on continuous improvement in energy use and system design, saying that cleaner energy sources like solar not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to cost-effective operations in the long term.

However, participants at the walk described solar energy as a practical response to Nigeria’s power challenges but stressed that affordability and access remain key barriers to wider adoption.

Some of the participants, therefore, called for stronger policy support and financing frameworks to enable more households and small businesses to transition to alternative energy sources.

The event also underscored a shift in advocacy efforts, as companies increasingly take awareness campaigns beyond corporate spaces into communities. For many participants, the message was clear: addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis will require not just isolated solutions, but a coordinated approach that combines innovation, sustainability, and accessibility.