• Innovation a Major Boost for Women, Youth in Entrepreneurial Sector – NAHBPON President

A new portable solar power solution has been unveiled to tackle Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges and support small businesses nationwide, particularly in the hair and beauty sector.

This came as the National Association of Hair and Beauty Practitioners of Nigeria (NAHBPON) hailed the innovation as a major boost for the industry, noting that it will ease the burden of unreliable power supply and rising fuel costs for thousands of practitioners across the country.

At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IRESS Limited and NAHBPON in Abuja on Wednesday, Project Coordinator, Mr Ibukunoluwa Fagbeyiro, described the Iress Solar Inverter Backpack as a “groundbreaking innovation” that will provide affordable and sustainable energy to barbers, beauticians, and other small business operators.

“Power is essential to everything we do—education, business, healthcare. Without electricity, we would be thousands of years back in development,” he said. “This backpack puts reliable power directly in the hands of individuals, small businesses, and enterprises.”

Developed by IRESS Limited, a subsidiary of the RKK Group, the solar inverter backpack comes equipped with a foldable solar panel, high-efficiency inverter, and lithium phosphate batteries with over 6,000 cycles, giving it a lifespan of more than 10 years.

Fegbeyiro explained that the innovation allows users to harness six to eight hours of daily sunshine to power essential equipment, helping them drastically cut electricity and fuel costs.

“Barbers and beauticians are already using the device to run clippers, lighting, UV sterilisers, and entertainment gadgets in their shops.
“Before now, they relied on the grid and generators, both of which have become more expensive with rising tariffs and fuel prices,” he said.

“Instead of waiting for power generated hundreds of kilometres away, users can now generate their own power instantly, anywhere.”

Under the MoU, registered NAHBPON members can acquire the backpack by paying a 20 per cent equity contribution, with daily or monthly repayments of about N1,000.

Fegbeyiro said the flexible payment model makes the product accessible, while its mobility enables practitioners to expand their services, including home visits.

“This is real empowerment,” he said. “With this initiative, they can access reliable power on the go, cut costs, and grow their enterprises.”

NAHBPON National President, Comrade Tina Doofan Orji, described the initiative as a “big opportunity” for practitioners who have long grappled with erratic electricity and high fuel costs.

“For how long have our members suffered with power issues? The cost of fuel is high, and for those of us on Band A tariff, the units you get after subscription are nothing to smile about,” she said. “That is why I see this as a great opportunity for our members.”

She noted that beyond powering clippers, the solar backpack can support lighting and other essential salon tools, particularly useful during the busy festive season.

“December is around the corner. We braid hair for hours, and if there is no NEPA light, we rely on generators. How much are you charging for hair to also pay for fuel? Make-up artists too can benefit from this. It’s a good opportunity, and the payment plan is flexible and affordable,” she added.

Comrade Orji commended IRESS for extending the innovation to the association, expressing confidence that members would key into the project to boost productivity and reduce operating costs.

A live demonstration during the event showcased how various backpack models could power tools used by barbers, beauticians, students, and members of the armed forces, among others.