Stakeholders across Nigeria’s energy ecosystem gathered for the Renewable Energy Conference 2025, which was held from November 25th to 26th. It was a convening shaped by one shared mission: ensuring that every Nigerian has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Representing Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), our Executive Director, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, joined policymakers, innovators, financiers, developers, and civil society experts in conversations that centered on expanding energy access  by putting people, their needs, realities, and rights at the center of every decision.

Under the theme “Stronger Together: Advancing Energy Access Through Policy, Finance & Inclusion”, speakers explored what it will take to close Nigeria’s energy access gap. They highlighted the need to strengthen policy frameworks that prioritize local needs, unlock sustainable financing models, drive innovation that works for communities and foster collaboration between government, academia, private sector, and civil society

One powerful theme threaded through the conversations, which is the urgent need for Nigeria to evolve from being primarily a consumer of imported renewable energy technologies to an active producer. If the energy transition is to be truly sustainable, Nigeria must play an active role in producing, innovating, and shaping its own energy solutions. Locally designed technologies that reflect our climate, infrastructure, and economic realities offer the strongest pathway to long-term energy inclusion.

The conversations also highlighted the persistent barriers slowing renewable energy adoption, from limited financing to infrastructural constraints.

At CADEF, we remain committed to advocating for consumer rights, championing energy inclusion, and contributing to a future where every Nigerian can access clean, affordable, and reliable energy. This is why we run a practical DER Platform designed to demystify energy choices for consumers, because when consumers understand their options, they can make informed decisions.

The platform features:

• A solar calculator that helps households and small businesses estimate their energy needs.
• Step-by-step consumer guidance on renewable energy options.
• Connections to verified installers, ensuring safe and trusted solutions.

 Explore the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Platform today: der.cadefng.org