By Abasi Ita
The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to promote clean energy use across the South-South region.
She said the initiative is aimed at changing the prevailing environmental narrative caused by decades of oil exploration and its associated health and economic challenges.
Akpabio made this known during a working visit to LPV Technologies’ state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant in Ikotun, Lagos.
She explained that the visit formed part of SSDC’s strategic engagement with national agencies and private sector partners. It followed earlier discussions with the Rural Electrification Agency and aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean energy growth and the promotion of local content in renewable energy manufacturing.
According to Akpabio, the Commission is intensifying efforts to promote cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions across the region while supporting the development of indigenous capacity in renewable energy production. She emphasised that the SSDC remains committed to driving innovation that will improve living standards in the Niger Delta through environmentally responsible initiatives.
Speaking after leading the SSDC delegation on a guided tour of the company’s automated, AI-driven solar production facility, described by the team as a major milestone in Nigeria’s renewable energy advancement, the Chairman of LPV Technologies, Mr. Nzan Ogbe, expressed optimism about a strong collaboration that will help address environmental challenges through clean energy adoption.
Mr. Ogbe commended SSDC for its proactive approach to regional development and pledged LPV Technologies’ full cooperation in expanding clean energy access across the South-South.
“Our mission at LPV Technologies is to make Nigeria the leading hub for solar manufacturing in Africa,” he said. “Through this partnership with SSDC, we will drive rural electrification, empower young people with solar technology skills, and reduce reliance on imported components.”
Highlights of the engagement included plans to establish logistics and distribution hubs across the South-South to improve access to renewable energy and strengthen the regional clean energy value chain. LPV Technologies also agreed to collaborate with SSDC on youth training and skills transfer programmes designed to boost employment and technical expertise in solar technology.