Nigeria Innovation Day 2025: Electrifying the Future with Partnership, Technology, and Purpose

The just concluded Innovation Day Nigeria 2025 marked a landmark moment: 25 years of robust partnership between Schneider Electric and Nigeria. It was not merely a technology exhibition, but a powerful affirmation that Nigeria is no longer just copying global trends — it is shaping its own narrative in technology and energy.

In a hall filled with over 400 stakeholders, including more than 70 top executives, innovators, and government leaders, Schneider Electric built a space for real conversation about not just what technology can do, but what it must do for Nigeria. The question echoed across every corner: “What’s next, and how do we get ready?”

A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Vision

Schneider Electric’s footprint in Nigeria runs deep and wide. In a frank acknowledgment of its influence, a company representative said, “95 percent of the energy gadgets used in Nigeria are from Schneider Electric … 95 percent of refining machines and tools, as well as 95 percent of crude production steps, pass through Schneider equipment.” These are not idle boasts. They reflect the company’s central role in powering and automating the Nigerian energy ecosystem.

That influence takes a social form too: Schneider has supported the creation of the Bonny Island Multimodal JAMB Center, giving island students access to examinations without long water commutes. It is innovation with heart, engineering for both infrastructure and education.

Driving Policy, Power, and Partnerships

On stage, the government’s commitment was clear. A representative from the Ministry of Power called for a more rational subsidy system: “Today’s subsidy is an open ended subsidy, which subsidizes those that actually have the ability to pay.” He announced that Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative has been activated, with contracts in place to add 7,000 megawatts of capacity to Nigeria’s grid.

But that is just part of a larger vision. The government is pushing to strengthen the grid through rehabilitation, to synchronize with the West African power network, and to roll out a national metering program. As the minister’s delegate explained: “To advance Nigeria’s energy transition and access goals, the federal government is leveraging bilateral funding to de risk investments and attract private sector participation.” Over the past two years, more than $2 billion has been committed to renewable energy and off grid projects.

Schneider’s Big Picture: Electrify, Digitize, Decarbonize

Walid Sheta, Schneider Electric’s regional leader, painted a vivid image of the future. He described four global megatrends: electrification, digitization and AI, large scale infrastructure, and global rebalancing. “Electrification is key in the world of tomorrow if we want to reduce our CO2 footprint,” he said. He also explained how AI and predictive technologies can optimize energy systems and drive efficiency.

He warned of a looming demand surge: “Half of the new born babies of the world by 2050 will come from Africa,” he said, calling for smart, sustainable energy systems that grow with the continent, not burden it.

Automation, Local Content, and Inclusive Growth

Panels explored how Nigeria’s next phase of growth lies in automation and sustainability working hand in hand. One panelist noted: “The next phase is to evolve further, building on existing foundations and accelerating into the digital age.” The call was for deep collaboration among government, investors, and technologists to build a truly digital energy future.

Mr. Laurent Favier, Consul General of France Nigeria, chimed in with a strong message: “The future of the energy sector lies in automation, electrification, oil and gas transformation, and renewable integration.”

Another panelist stressed that one size does not fit all: “We cannot rely on extending grids to all communities; solar home systems or mini grids may make more economic sense for remote areas.” This idea, of custom solutions backed by data, financing, and trust, resonated throughout the session.

The Oil and Gas Frontline

Leaders from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector took the stage to reflect on how innovation is central to their strategy. “From day one, we committed to monetizing gas resources, supplying NLNG, and pioneering compressed natural gas in Nigeria,” one executive said. They emphasized data integrity, analytics, and efficiency, arguing that technology is not a side project, but the foundation for future energy production.

Building Prosperity Together

At the close of the day, Sheta’s words brought everything home: “Digital plus electric is providing the solution. Partnership is key for our success. In all the segments in which we electrify and digitalize, this is how we do it.”

Innovation Day 2025 was neither a celebration alone nor a statement of intent. It was a call to action. A call for government, business, and technology to unite for a future where Nigeria leads, not follows, in innovation, sustainability, and energy.

As the event concluded, one thing was certain: the energy, ambition, and ingenuity on display promise that next year’s Innovation Day will be even bigger, bolder, and more transformative. Nigeria and its partners are already gearing up, and we cannot wait to see what comes next.