By Charles Okonji
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commissioned its newly installed 200kW solar-powered energy system to support its laboratory testing equipment, which runs on uninterruptible power supply once in operation.
This is a move aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and advancing Nigeria’s sustainable energy goals.
In his opening speech, at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the project as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between SON and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
According to Dr. Okeke, “Today’s event marks another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the SON and the NESP, a collaboration that has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure in support of sustainable energy.”
The DG pointed out that the partnership began in 2018 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SON and GIZ for the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards.
He explained that the collaboration has since expanded beyond standards development to include laboratory infrastructure, conformity assessment, capacity building, and support for emerging sectors such as electric mobility.
The SON Chief Executive noted that with NESP’s support, SON has developed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy-labelling requirements for key electrical appliances, paving the way for the agency’s mandatory energy-labelling scheme.
“This initiative will empower consumers to make informed choices while ensuring that only energy-efficient products gain access to the Nigerian market,” he averred.
He described the establishment of a calorimetric testing chamber for air conditioners as one of the most significant outcomes of the partnership.
“When fully operational, it will be the first facility of its kind in Nigeria and a reference testing centre for the West African sub-region,” he stressed.
“The newly commissioned solar power system would provide the reliable and sustainable energy needed to operate the highly specialised testing facility while reducing dependence on diesel generators.
“The solar panel system we are commissioning today is a critical component of that vision. It will provide the reliable and sustainable energy required to power this highly specialised testing facility while significantly reducing dependence on diesel generators and the high cost of alternative power supply,” the DG maintained.
Enumerating the financial gains of the project, Dr Okeke disclosed that SON presently spends whooping ₦80 million annually on diesel and approximately ₦6.7 million on electricity.
In his own words; “On average, we spend close to ₦80 million on diesel annually and about ₦6.7 million on electricity. This is money we can save by having an alternative energy source.
“As an agency that is not primarily revenue-generating, whatever money we can save will come in very handy.
“The project demonstrates SON’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible institutional leadership while aligning with Nigeria’s broader energy-transition agenda.
“It aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives and reinforces the role of standards in promoting energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness.”
Dr. Okeke commended the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, GIZ Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Power, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
“SON’s long-term goal is to extend alternative energy solutions across all six units of its laboratory complex.
“It is our goal that all our six units in the laboratory will have alternative power supply.
“As we commission this facility today, we celebrate not only a new energy system but also a successful partnership, a strengthened institution and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.” He emphasized.
On his part, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who was represented by Dr Owolabi Sunday, said the inauguration of a solar power installation represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy development, energy security, industrial competitiveness, climate resilience and economic transformation.
“I commend the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the European Union, the German Government, GIZ, ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), and all partners involved for demonstrating what can be achieved when government institutions, development partners and the private sector work together towards a common goal.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, infrastructure development, industrialisation, economic growth, job creation and energy security remain at the centre of our national development agenda. The President has consistently emphasised that reliable and sustainable electricity is fundamental to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
“No nation can industrialise, create jobs, attract investment or improve the quality of life of its citizens without adequate energy supply,” he stated.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Power is implementing comprehensive reforms and strategic interventions aimed at expanding electricity access, strengthening grid reliability, attracting private-sector investment and accelerating renewable energy deployment across the country.
He explained that the commissioning of this 200-kilowatt photovoltaic system demonstrates the practical application of renewable energy technology in powering critical infrastructure.
Accordingto him; “Beyond providing clean energy to SON, this facility serves as a model for public institutions across Nigeria.
“It showcases how government facilities can reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency, lower carbon emissions and contribute to sustainable national growth.
“As Nigeria expands the deployment of renewable energy technologies, quality assurance and standards become increasingly important. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria plays a critical role in ensuring that renewable energy products entering our market meet internationally acceptable standards of safety, performance, reliability and durability.
“The availability of world-class testing and certification facilities strengthens consumer confidence, protects investments and supports the growth of a robust renewable energy industry.
“This laboratory will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to test, certify and regulate solar photovoltaic systems, batteries, inverters, energy-efficient appliances and other clean-energy technologies. By strengthening standards and quality assurance systems, we are creating the foundation for sustainable market growth and increased investor confidence.”1
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who was represented by Engr. Muhammad Ishaya, said SON occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic and industrial development.
Oduwole noted that supporting SON is in many ways, supporting the nation itself, adding that standards are at the heart of quality assurance, consumer protection, industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
“As Nigeria’s national standards body, SON plays a critical role in ensuring that products and services meet established quality benchmarks, stressing that any effort aimed at strengthening SON’s capacity contributes directly to national development.
“I would like to express our sincere appreciation to GIZ, the European Union and the German Government for their remarkable support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure through initiatives such as this project.
“The promotion of renewable energy is fully aligned with the objectives of Nigeria’s Industrial Policy, which was launched by the Ministry a few months ago. The policy places strong emphasis on sustainable energy solutions, energy conservation, environmental sustainability, industrial efficiency and improved productivity.
“This project demonstrates the practical benefits of renewable energy adoption in public institutions. It showcases how clean energy solutions can reduce operational costs, improve efficiency and contribute to a cleaner environment.
“We commend the work being carried out under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and the efforts of GIZ in advancing renewable energy and energy-efficiency initiatives across the country.
“It is our expectation that the successes recorded at SON will serve as a model for other government institutions. The effectiveness and cost-efficiency demonstrated by this project should encourage wider adoption of similar renewable energy solutions across the public sector.
“We believe that what has been achieved here can be replicated in other organisations, enabling them to enjoy the same benefits of reduced energy costs, improved operational efficiency and sustainable energy use.” The Minister averred.
Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was represented by Ms Oluchi Odumuko, noted that the newly commissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) laboratory complex will significantly improve product testing and certification processes, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.
He described the project as a major boost to Nigeria’s quality infrastructure and industrial development agenda.
According to him, reliable power supply is critical to the effectiveness of SON’s conformity assessment operations and the overall efficiency of the country’s standards and certification ecosystem.
“Reliable and uninterrupted power supply is indispensable for accurate testing, timely certification and sustaining international confidence in Nigeria’s quality infrastructure,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
He noted that the solar installation would strengthen SON’s capacity to process permits, licences and certification requests for imported machinery, industrial components and locally assembled products.
“With this clean-energy backbone, SON is better positioned to accelerate the processing and approval of permits and licences for imported components, machinery and materials intended for local assembly, as well as certification processes for Nigeria-assembled products destined for both domestic and export markets.
“The project would reduce operational downtime, shorten turnaround times for product testing and certification, and improve transparency and efficiency in regulatory processes.
“For manufacturers, importers and assemblers, these gains translate into faster market access, lower compliance costs, reduced bottlenecks and increased confidence in Nigeria’s standards and quality assurance framework.
“The development aligns with the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda by supporting local value addition, import substitution, export growth and job creation.
“Ultimately, it supports the Federal Government’s broader objectives of industrialisation, local value addition, import substitution, export expansion, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” the MAN DG stressed.
The project was delivered under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP III), a collaboration involving SON, the European Union, the German Government and GIZ.
Commending the initiative, Ajayi-Kadir said NESP has played a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem through policy support, capacity development and market interventions.
“We particularly commend the Nigerian Energy Support Programme for its unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy. This project stands as a practical demonstration of the transformative impact that development cooperation can achieve when effectively aligned with national priorities,” he said.
