By Esther Olaoluwa |
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has launched the Tinubu Light Initiative (TLI), a renewable energy programme aimed at providing affordable clean electricity to one million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
The initiative is projected to create more than 50,000 direct jobs, reduce electricity costs for small businesses and support the growth of women- and youth-owned enterprises.
The programme was unveiled alongside the National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBTI, Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji, described the two initiatives as significant steps towards strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and positioning the country as a globally competitive hub for technology and enterprise development.
He said the programmes align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria First Policy, particularly in the areas of innovation, technology commercialisation, enterprise development and local industrialisation.
“The NextGen Innovation Challenge and the Tinubu Light Initiative are practical expressions of Mr President’s vision for a Nigeria that rewards innovation, empowers enterprise, creates wealth and competes confidently on the global stage,” Raji said.
Initiative to Cut Energy Costs for MSMEs
According to Raji, the Tinubu Light Initiative will combine innovative financing models, strategic partnerships and renewable energy technologies to help MSMEs reduce their energy costs.
He said access to more affordable and reliable electricity would improve productivity and enable small businesses to compete more effectively.
Beyond expanding access to clean energy, Raji said the initiative would promote the local assembly of renewable energy equipment, reduce carbon emissions and create new economic opportunities.
He said the programme was expected to generate more than 50,000 direct jobs, with particular opportunities for women- and youth-owned businesses.
“The Tinubu Light Initiative goes beyond electrification. It is an industrial policy, an employment strategy, a poverty reduction programme and a platform for inclusive economic growth,” he said.
NextGen Challenge Attracts Thousands of Innovators
Raji also disclosed that thousands of innovators participated in the 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge, submitting ideas across sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing, financial technology and climate technology.
He said the level of participation demonstrated the depth of Nigeria’s innovation potential and the need for stronger platforms to help transform local ideas into commercially viable products and businesses.
According to him, supporting the commercialisation of indigenous innovation would help create jobs, strengthen local industries and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Partnerships to Support Innovation
The NBTI chief commended the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UKALD, British High Commission, Commonwealth Secretariat and other development partners for their contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He said the partnerships were helping Nigerian innovators connect with international investors, research institutions, technology companies and global markets.
Raji called on investors, development partners and innovators to deepen collaboration and accelerate the commercialisation of research and locally developed technologies.
He said innovation and enterprise development remained critical to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth and industrial transformation.
“The NextGen Innovation Challenge and the Tinubu Light Initiative are far more than programmes; they are a national movement to unlock talent, empower enterprise, create wealth and industrialise Nigeria,” Raji said.
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