Solar Power Takes Over as Lagos Cuts Diesel Use at State Radio Stations

By: Amarachi Okonkwo 

The Lagos State Government has commissioned a solar power system at Radio Lagos and Eko FM, marking a strategic shift toward renewable energy aimed at reducing operational costs, improving energy reliability, and ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting.

The project, delivered by Alternatio Navitas Limited, features a 150KVA outdoor solar generator designed to significantly cut diesel consumption and lessen dependence on Nigeria’s unstable national grid.

Unveiled on Tuesday, the initiative was led by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye.

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The move comes amid rising concerns over the high cost of powering public infrastructure with diesel. Omotoso revealed that Lagos had been spending approximately N800 million monthly to fuel generators powering streetlights an expense the state deemed unsustainable.

The transition to solar, he said, reflects a broader policy direction under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to adopt cleaner and more cost-effective energy alternatives.

“This is a total transformation to renewable energy simple, safe, and secure,” Omotoso stated.

For the state-owned stations, the solar installation represents a critical infrastructure upgrade. The General Manager of Radio Lagos and Eko FM, Olajide Lawal, described the project as a turning point after years of battling erratic electricity supply.

He noted that persistent grid failures had strained operations and increased reliance on diesel generators, impacting both costs and service continuity.

“With this installation, we are stepping into a new era of energy independence and uninterrupted service,” Lawal said, adding that the stations can now maintain 24-hour broadcasting regardless of grid disruptions.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Alternatio Navitas Limited, Tayo Ogidan, the system was tailored to meet the stations’ specific energy requirements.

The installation comprises a 150-kilowatt system with a 350-kilowatt power capacity, supported by approximately 150 solar panels rated at 720 watts each. The configuration is designed to provide stable, sustainable power while reducing carbon emissions and maintenance costs associated with diesel generators.

Ogidan noted that Nigeria’s electricity supply remains insufficient for its population, forcing businesses and institutions to depend heavily on alternative power sources.

Financial Discipline and Energy Efficiency

While the solar deployment is expected to deliver significant cost savings, Ogunleye urged the stations’ management to ensure prudent use of funds saved from reduced diesel consumption.

He also emphasised the importance of energy efficiency practices, including switching off unused equipment to avoid overloading the system.

The project underscores Lagos State’s growing commitment to renewable energy adoption across public infrastructure. Analysts say similar deployments in media, healthcare, and education could help reduce energy costs, improve service delivery, and ease pressure on the national grid.

For households and businesses, officials say the initiative serves as a model for decentralized energy solutions in a country where grid reliability remains a persistent challenge.

With the installation now operational, Radio Lagos and Eko FM are expected to deliver more consistent programming while benefiting from lower energy costs and a reduced environmental footprint signaling a potential blueprint for other state-owned enterprises.