The Federal Government has introduced a new renewable energy programme aimed at helping one million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) reduce their energy expenses and improve productivity.
Known as the Tinubu Light Initiative, the programme was unveiled on Thursday by the National Board for Technology Incubation during the 2026 National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge in Abuja.
The Director-General of NBTI, Dr Kazeem Raji, said the initiative was designed to address the high cost of doing business associated with unreliable electricity and heavy dependence on petrol and diesel generators.
According to him, the programme is expected to generate more than 50,000 direct jobs, expand access to clean energy and strengthen local production of renewable energy equipment.
Raji explained that the initiative would use innovative financing arrangements, partnerships and renewable energy technologies to make cleaner and more affordable power available to businesses across the country.
He said lower energy costs could enable MSMEs to redirect funds towards expanding their operations, increasing production and employing more workers.
The programme will also support the local assembly and manufacture of renewable energy equipment, while encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies and reducing carbon emissions.
The NBTI chief added that digital financing platforms would be used to improve financial access, particularly for women and young entrepreneurs seeking to adopt renewable energy solutions.
He described the programme as more than an electricity intervention, noting that it was also intended to support industrial development, employment creation, poverty reduction and Nigeria’s broader climate objectives.
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to promote innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
Innovation Challenge Expands
At the event, Raji also highlighted the growing impact of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, which attracted thousands of applications from innovators working across sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, healthcare, biotechnology, manufacturing and financial technology.
He said the challenge had evolved from a conventional competition into a platform connecting Nigerian innovators with investors and helping promising ideas move from research and prototypes into commercial applications.
Raji disclosed that one participant from the inaugural 2025 edition secured a £1.5 million investment commitment, while agricultural technologies developed through the programme are being used to improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses in parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.
He said the results demonstrated the commercial potential of Nigerian innovation when entrepreneurs receive appropriate mentorship, investment and institutional support.
The NBTI boss said the agency would continue using its Technology Incubation Centres across the country to identify and develop innovative talent, facilitate technology transfer and support the commercialisation of locally developed solutions.
Commonwealth Expansion
Raji further disclosed that the Commonwealth Secretariat had backed the NextGen Innovation Challenge, paving the way for the programme to expand across the 56-member Commonwealth.
He described the development as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem and an opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs to gain wider international exposure.
He urged investors and development organisations to look beyond early-stage prototypes and support technologies capable of addressing challenges in areas such as manufacturing, food security, healthcare, financial inclusion and clean energy.
The launch of the Tinubu Light Initiative comes against the backdrop of persistent electricity challenges faced by Nigerian businesses. Many MSMEs continue to rely on petrol and diesel generators because of unstable grid supply and rising energy costs.
By expanding access to renewable energy, the Federal Government expects the new programme to help businesses lower operating expenses while supporting job creation, local manufacturing and broader economic growth.
