The Africa China Chairmen of Business Council Forum (ACCBCF) has called for deeper China-Nigeria cooperation in new energy, power and lighting, urging businesses to move beyond trade towards investment, technology transfer and local manufacturing.
ACCBCF National Chairman, High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu, made the call at the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo and International Lighting Exhibition in Lagos.
He said Nigeria’s large market, natural resources and industrial potential, combined with China’s technology and manufacturing capacity, could create stronger industrial value chains and support long-term economic growth.
He also highlighted the role of ACCBCF in connecting governments, businesses, investors and industry leaders to develop practical partnerships between Africa and China.
He encouraged Chinese companies to view Nigeria not only as a destination for their products but also as a strategic base for manufacturing and serving the wider West African market.
China-Nigeria Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
The exhibition brought together government officials, investors, manufacturers and technology providers from Nigeria, China and other countries to explore opportunities across the power, renewable energy, energy storage and lighting sectors.
Discussions focused on investment, technology transfer, local manufacturing, energy efficiency and smart technologies as Nigeria seeks to expand electricity access and strengthen its energy infrastructure.
In her goodwill message, a representative of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, highlighted the growing China-Africa and China-Nigeria economic relationship.
She encouraged businesses to use the exhibition to explore investment, technology exchange and innovation, particularly in smart lighting, artificial intelligence, energy-efficient technologies and green solutions.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of turning China’s technological capabilities into partnerships that support Nigerian industries, skills development and local production.
Nigeria Pushes Local Manufacturing
Local manufacturing was another major theme at the exhibition, with government representatives urging international investors to explore opportunities beyond equipment supply.
The Federal Government emphasised the importance of local assembly and manufacturing of solar, lighting and power equipment as part of efforts to increase domestic value addition and strengthen industrial capacity.
The approach could also support technology acquisition, skills development and greater participation by Nigerian businesses in regional and global value chains.
REA Links Energy Access to Economic Growth
The Rural Electrification Agency highlighted the wider economic benefits of expanding electricity access across Nigeria.
The agency noted that reliable energy supports businesses, healthcare, education and community development.
Its interventions include grid and off-grid electrification, renewable-energy mini-grids, solar home systems and productive-use applications.
Officials, however, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among private investors, technology providers, financial institutions, development partners and state governments to scale energy solutions, particularly in underserved communities.
Lagos Highlights Investment Opportunities
Lagos State also used the exhibition to showcase opportunities within its electricity market.
Officials said the state’s large population and concentration of businesses and industries have created significant electricity demand, while unreliable supply has pushed many consumers towards petrol and diesel generators.
The state is seeking to facilitate about 6GW of generation capacity over the coming years, including approximately 4GW from gas and 2GW from renewable and cleaner energy sources.
Officials noted that generation must be supported by investment in transmission, distribution, gas infrastructure, metering, storage, embedded generation and modern electricity-market systems.
Lagos is also pursuing renewable energy for public infrastructure, smart solar street lighting, cleaner transportation, compressed natural gas, electric mobility and the electrification of hospitals and schools.
Kano Seeks Energy Investment
Kano State also presented opportunities for investors, particularly in energy efficiency, industrial power supply and electricity access.
The state highlighted the impact of rising energy costs on households, businesses and industries and called for partnerships that can expand power production and improve energy efficiency.
The 10-megawatt Hasken Power Plant in the Shanawa Industrial Cluster was presented as part of the state’s energy-development efforts.
Kano also outlined initiatives targeting both grid-connected and underserved communities while inviting investors and technology providers to explore opportunities across the state.
From Technology to Industrial Growth
The exhibition showcased technologies that could contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition, including solar power, battery storage, smart grids, efficient lighting, intelligent streetlights, mini-grids, electric mobility, advanced metering and digital energy management.
Artificial intelligence also featured in discussions around smart lighting and intelligent energy systems.
Participants stressed the importance of applying these technologies to real-world challenges and making solutions more accessible and affordable to households, businesses and communities.
Beyond Equipment Sales
A central message from the exhibition was the need to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship between Nigeria and international technology providers.
The emerging model is one based on investment, technology transfer, local manufacturing, skills development, financing and long-term project partnerships.
For Chinese companies, this could create opportunities to establish manufacturing and assembly operations in Nigeria while working with local businesses and institutions.
Such partnerships could also support Nigeria’s efforts to develop domestic capabilities and reduce dependence on imported energy equipment.
ACCBCF Positions Business Forum as a Bridge
The discussions at the Lagos exhibition reflect the broader role ACCBCF is seeking to play in strengthening Africa-China business relations.
By bringing together government representatives, investors, manufacturers and business leaders, the forum aims to facilitate partnerships that can translate trade relationships into investment and industrial development.
For Nigeria and China, the energy sector offers opportunities across renewable energy, smart technology, energy storage, efficiency, electric mobility and manufacturing.
The outcome of these discussions will ultimately depend on how investment commitments, technology partnerships and policy initiatives are translated into projects that improve energy access, reduce costs and strengthen local industries.
