The Federal Government has launched the Tinubu Light Initiative (TLI), an economic project designed to supply affordable renewable energy to one million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and create over 50,000 direct jobs across Nigeria.
The launch took place in Abuja during the National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) under the theme “Igniting Indigenous Innovation, Transforming Nigeria, Inspiring the World.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, stated that reliable energy and local technology are essential to sustainable growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the TLI aims to lower operational costs for small businesses, expand digital financing, and accelerate green energy adoption.
NBTI Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, stated that the initiative functions as an industrial policy, job creation strategy, climate action plan, and poverty reduction program.
He added that the NextGen Innovation Challenge has expanded into a Commonwealth movement across 56 nations, with past participants securing foreign investments including a £1.5 million commitment and deploying agricultural solutions in states such as Bauchi and Kaduna.
During the event, renewable energy firm Gigawatt Global announced plans to provide up to $500 million in project financing for solar power plants across Nigerian universities.
Gigawatt Global CEO Joseph Abramowitz stated the funding would cover up to 90% of project costs for campus-based solar plants, contingent on bankable power purchase agreements.
The planned facilities are expected to generate between 10 and 20 megawatts per location, supplying electricity to the universities while routing surplus power to surrounding rural communities via prepaid metering systems.
Abramowitz added that the company plans to source equipment, including panels, racking, and cables, locally within Nigeria to support domestic manufacturing and long-term operations.
The showcase was attended by diplomats, investors, academic leaders, and international partners, including representatives from UKALD, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the British High Commission.
