The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has deepen partnership with indigenous technology firm, LPV Technologies to drive transition to green energyTechnologies to drive transition to green energy through local solar manufacturing and renewable energy innovation.
The commission and the firm also reaffirmed their shared vision to position South-South region as a national hub for green energy manufacturing and sustainable environment.
Speaking during a courtesy visit and facility tour at LPV Technologies in Lagos, on Monday, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Akpabio, emphasised the Commission’s efforts to ensuring reduction in importation of solar into the country in line with the Federal Government’s broader green energy transition agenda.
Akpabio described solar energy as the cleaner way forward, stressing that renewable energy holds the key to resolving Nigeria’s power crisis and driving inclusive economic growth across the Niger Delta.
Akpabio commended LPV Technologies and other players, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to deepen local content in solar manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
According to her, Nigeria must support local players, noting that the Commission will engage manufacturers, investors and government agencies to ensure accessibility, accountability and shared prosperity for the people.
“The solution to our power crisis is here. We cannot keep running our social services and industries on generators alone. We are supporting and projecting local manufacturing of solar in Nigeria, and it’s even more inspiring to see that the leading players originating from the South-South region,” she said.
She reaffirmed the commission’s alignment with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (UNHCR) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sustainability policies.
Akpabio said the SSDC’s mandate currently incorporates environmental sustainability and energy access as core pillars of its regional development goals. She further revealed plans by the Commission to establish a solar training and innovation hub aimed at empowering youths and farmers with solar installation and maintenance skills.
According to her, this will reduce importation costs, promote local production and expand access to clean energy across the South-South. Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of LPV Technologies, Nzan Ogbe, commended the SSDC for its engagement and commitment to fostering homegrown renewable solutions.
Ogbe disclosed that the indigenous firm is scaling up its solar panel production capacity from 100 megawatts to 200 megawatts within the next six months, with new equipment already ordered.
“We started production in February and despite supply chain challenges, our goal is to ensure a consistent energy supply through domestic manufacturing,” he said. He added that the company has established training centres and warehouses across the South-South to promote skill development, job creation and the adoption of clean energy.
Ogbe noted that the firm wants every state in the South-South to have a share in this initiative, specifically from manufacturing and logistics to solar installation and maintenance.
He also highlighted the company’s long-term plan to develop solar components locally, including glass and aluminum parts, while investing in research and development (R&D) to advance local innovation in renewable energy technologies.
