Nigeria’s leaders say the country’s future depends on green technology and digital innovation. At the third Technology Ecosystem Dialogue in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stressed that renewable energy and smart tools are now central to national progress.
Represented by his adviser, Obinna Ebirim, the minister said Nigeria must invest in youth-led innovation to unlock growth. He noted that the shift to clean energy and digitalisation “is not on the horizon; it is already here.”
Digital Energy as a Driver of Growth
The dialogue, hosted by Young Innovators Nigeria, gathered experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss sustainable energy. Officials highlighted that embracing digital systems could transform energy delivery and job creation.
Victor Ogene, Chair of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, said smart tools such as remote monitoring and AI-driven systems are vital for scaling access. He revealed that “digital monitoring cuts downtime by 30 per cent, and mobile payments raise efficiency from 60 per cent to over 90 per cent.”
Despite this promise, he reminded the audience that over 85 million Nigerians still lack electricity. Connecting just a quarter of them through solar mini-grids, he said, could create 200,000 jobs and cut CO₂ emissions.
Youth at the Centre of Change
Speakers agreed that Nigeria’s young innovators must lead the transition. Abba Aliyu of the Rural Electrification Agency said renewable energy would only succeed if citizens, women, and youth were “co-owners, not bystanders.” He urged for innovation portfolios that balance technology with inclusive growth.
Echoing this, Kashifu Abdullahi, head of NITDA, said green technology is no longer optional. Represented by his adviser, Lukman Lamid, he emphasised that the goal is a “digitally empowered, sustainably powered, and inclusively built” Nigeria.
Energy and agriculture also emerged as linked priorities. Andrew Agbo, President of Young Innovators Nigeria, argued that clean energy could strengthen food security by powering rural economies. He said the programme is designed to help Nigeria achieve energy independence while creating sustainable, youth-led solutions.
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