Huawei Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and smarter energy systems through innovative solar solutions and capacity development.

Speaking at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu described solar energy as “the foundation of tomorrow’s energy economy,”

He noted that the global shift toward renewable energy is opening new possibilities for sustainable development..

He commended the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous energy future.

“Across the world, the race towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future has already begun. At the heart of this transition lies the power of the sun—rich, sustainable, and accessible to all,” he said.

“For Nigeria, this isn’t just an opportunity; it is a promising path to a sustainable and powerful economy.”

Huawei, he said, has been integrating digital technology into solar power through innovations such as real-time monitoring, self-optimization, remote fault detection, and smart control systems.

“We combine bit with watt, and create unlimited new possibilities,” he added, highlighting Huawei’s focus on smart grids, energy storage, and artificial intelligence for power management.

To further localize innovation, the company has established an Innovation Center and Open Lab in Nigeria to co-develop tailor-made solar solutions with local partners.

These, he said, would not only meet the specific needs of the Nigerian market but also set new benchmarks for global standards in renewable energy.

Beyond technology, Huawei emphasized the importance of developing local talent. The company has built multiple training centers and a Service Center in Lagos, where hundreds of Nigerian engineers are being trained to provide technical support for solar systems deployed across the country.

Over the past year, Huawei has deployed advanced solar systems with energy storage solutions for commercial, industrial, and public sector projects, including universities, banks, supermarkets, and rural communities.

“Huawei will continue working with the Ministry of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency, and other partners to promote Nigeria’s green energy future. Let’s join hands and together, light up a brighter Nigeria,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said new investment commitments had been mobilised into Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain through engagements facilitated by the NREIF.

He said the commitments cover solar panels, smart meters, battery storage and recycling facilities, projected to create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states.

Shettima said renewable energy represents Nigeria’s “escape route” from the historical shortcomings that have defined its power sector, stressing that success would depend not on “the elegance of our policies” but on “our ability to transform ideas into practical solutions.”

He said Nigeria’s ambition is to achieve 277 gigawatts of total installed capacity by 2060, a vision that demands not only investment but also innovation, local capacity, and unwavering commitment.

The Vice President commended the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for their progressive roles in deepening access to electricity, particularly in rural communities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to build an inclusive renewable energy market that attracts investment, drives innovation, and ensures universal energy access.

He said the administration’s approach focuses on creating a decentralised, competitive power sector that enables communities and private enterprises to participate actively in energy generation.

Adelabu said the forum marks a pivotal step in implementing the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises industrial growth through sustainable energy.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said the Renewable Energy Innovation Forum demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness to unlock its vast renewable potential and strengthen local participation in clean energy development.

He noted that the REA, under the supervision of the Ministry of Power, is implementing programmes that connect communities, promote local manufacturing, and build resilient renewable energy value chains.

“Our mission is to power Nigeria’s inclusive growth by driving innovation, supporting private investments, and ensuring that no community is left in darkness,” Aliyu said.

He said the REA remains committed to working with development partners, investors, and the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward a green industrial revolution.

The Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum brought together policymakers, governors, private sector leaders, and development partners to foster collaboration and accelerate Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.