Nigerian President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, conducted an inspection of the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) Solar Project at Iponri Market in Surulere, Lagos.
During the visit, Gbajabiamila and Ogunbiyi, along with notable figures such as Abubakar Suleiman, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, and Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, engaged with market leaders and other stakeholders. The aim was to gain firsthand insights into the impact of the solar installations on business operations within the popular market.
The solar initiatives at Iponri Market, part of the UEF, received funding from the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)-administered facility. SOLAD Integrated Power, a clean energy and technology company, executed the projects. This development underscores the joint commitment of the Nigerian government and the UEF to promote sustainable energy solutions in the country.
Gbajabiamila expressed enthusiasm during the visit, stating, “The electrification of the Iponri Market with sustainable energy solutions exemplifies Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to enhancing energy access, driving economic growth, and embracing the transformative potential of solar energy.”
He emphasized the dedication to businesses, emission reduction, and advancing the nation toward a more sustainable future.
Ogunbiyi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of sustainable energy access for a brighter and more equitable future. She stated, “Our visit to the Iponri Market today underscores our commitment to empowering communities with clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions, setting the stage for Nigeria’s energy transition to a greener future.”
The UEF, a multi-donor results-based finance facility aligned with SDG7 and the Paris Agreement, plays a crucial role in accelerating energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa. It provides results-based grant payments to renewable energy companies facilitating verified end-user electricity connections. By supporting sustainable business models like energy-as-a-service and lease-to-own, the UEF aims to overcome upfront cost barriers, displace fuel generators, and attract private commercial capital to scale clean energy operations.
Managed by SEforALL and supported by various entities including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Shell Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Power Africa, the UEF is positioned as a catalyst for positive change in the region’s energy landscape.