Lagos Technicians Demand Skills Development, Government Support for Energy Transition

Generator and solar energy technicians in Lagos are urging for a unified framework to facilitate the shift from traditional generator use to the burgeoning solar energy sector. This call emerged during a Solar Technicians Town Hall held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was part of a four-month research project examining the transition from generator-based livelihoods to solar employment, undertaken by researchers from ODI Global/African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) and De Montfort University (DMU), with support from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON).

The town hall convened informal energy workers, solar technicians, and researchers to deliberate on the opportunities and obstacles within Nigeria's evolving energy landscape, which is increasingly moving towards renewable sources. Discussions underscored the significant role informal technicians already play and the necessity of ensuring their inclusion in the emerging solar economy. Researchers noted that many technicians possess practical experience from repairing generators, which could serve as a foundation for solar skills.

However, participants identified several barriers hindering this transition. These include fragmented training pathways, insufficient access to recognized certification, financial limitations, scarce opportunities for structured retraining, and regulatory challenges. These factors could potentially slow down the adoption of solar energy.

The research initiative aims to gather evidence on how technicians acquire solar skills and assess the adequacy of current training systems in meeting the demands of the rapidly changing energy market. As part of this study, researchers conducted a rapid labor-market assessment surveying over 300 technicians across Lagos, including generator repairers and solar installers. The survey explored their professional backgrounds, entry into solar work, informal learning experiences, access to formal training, and work histories.