Nigeria’s Engineers Call for Innovation to Boost Energy Access

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ikeja Branch hosted its 2026 Innovation Week in Lagos, themed “Engineering Adaptable Solutions for Energy Access and Sustainable Development for All.” The three‑day programme offered hands‑on STEAM training for corps members, students, teachers and early‑career professionals, urging them to develop practical, scalable solutions that combine conventional and renewable energy systems. Industry stakeholders highlighted the role of the National Board for Technology Incubation in mentoring innovators and turning ideas into viable businesses.

Experts at the event, including Niyi Tayo of Verrakki, stressed that Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages—affecting about 87 million people—require the adoption of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, smart‑grid technologies and digital twins. They argued that these tools can shift the power sector from reactive maintenance to predictive operations, improve asset reliability, lower costs and accelerate universal energy access through indigenous innovation and strategic investment.