Lagos Technicians Call for Skills Development, Stronger Govt-Industry Collaboration to Support Energy Transition

Technicians working with generators and solar energy in Lagos are urging for a more structured approach to skills development and stronger collaboration between the government and industry to facilitate the shift towards renewable energy. This call emerged from a Solar Technicians Town Hall held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The town hall was part of a four-month action research project examining the transition from traditional generator-based livelihoods to employment in the rapidly expanding solar energy sector within Lagos. Researchers from ODI Global/African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) and De Montfort University (DMU), supported by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), organized the event. It brought together informal energy workers, solar technicians, and researchers to discuss the opportunities and obstacles faced by workers in Nigeria's evolving energy landscape.

Discussions at the forum emphasized the significant role informal technicians already play in the energy sector and the necessity of ensuring they are not marginalized as the solar economy grows. Many technicians with experience in repairing and maintaining generators possess practical skills in electrical work, mechanics, and customer service that can serve as a foundation for acquiring solar installation and maintenance expertise. However, participants identified several barriers hindering this transition, including fragmented training pathways, inadequate access to recognized certifications, financial limitations, scarce opportunities for structured retraining, and regulatory hurdles.

The research project involves a rapid labor-market assessment, including surveys of over 300 technicians across major informal technical clusters in Lagos. The study examines their professional backgrounds, how they entered solar work, their informal learning experiences, access to formal training, and overall work experiences. The research team is also consulting with solar companies, training providers, and other industry stakeholders to understand recruitment practices, training quality, and the demand for solar skills. Dr. Eghosa Igudia of De Montfort University highlighted that the project aims to evaluate skill levels, training provisions, identify gaps, and assess funding for training initiatives.

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The project seeks to evaluate the level of skills, training provisions and gaps, funding for the tra