The Lagos State Government has installed a solar power system at Radio Lagos and Eko FM as part of efforts to cut diesel costs, reduce reliance on the national grid, and guarantee uninterrupted broadcasting.
The 150KVA outdoor solar generator was installed by Alternatio Navitas Limited and unveiled on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye.
The General Manager of Radio Lagos and Eko FM, Olajide Lawal, described the project as a major milestone for the stations, noting that power supply challenges had tested their operations for years.
Lawal explained that unreliable electricity had long affected the stations’ ability to maintain seamless broadcasting but expressed optimism that the solar installation would change the situation.
“Indeed, this marks a significant milestone in our history as a radio station. For years, we have been committed to discharging our responsibilities by bringing reliable and quality information, entertainment and community engagements to our listeners 24 hours a day,” he said.
He added that the installation, supported by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signals a new era of energy independence and uninterrupted service for listeners.
“With the installation of this state-of-the-art power supply, we are stepping into a new era of energy independence, sustainability, and uninterrupted service for our beloved listeners,” Lawal said.
According to him, the solar project will enable the stations to maintain continuous broadcasting even during grid disruptions while lowering operational costs.
“This solar project is not about panels and batteries. It is a bold statement of dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and excellence in broadcasting,” he said.
Lawal also noted that the stations would now operate using clean and renewable energy, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.
“From this moment, Radio Lagos and Eko FM will be powered by clean, renewable energy, thereby reducing our carbon footprint, lowering our operational costs, and ensuring that even during the toughest grid challenges, our programmes continue to reach our listeners,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Alternatio Navitas Limited, Tayo Ogidan, said Nigeria’s electricity supply remains inadequate for its population, forcing businesses and institutions to depend heavily on generators.
Ogidan said the solar installation at the stations’ facility in Ikeja was specifically designed to meet their operational power needs.
“What we have here is a 150-kilowatt system with 350-kilowatt power powered by 720-watt solar panels. We installed about 150 panels to support the system,” he explained.
He described the project as more than a technological upgrade, saying it represents a step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, urged the management of the stations to manage the savings from reduced diesel consumption effectively.
“I want to also beg the management to save the funds realised from diesel, power bills and maintenance costs and use them wisely,” he said.
Ogunleye also emphasised the need for energy conservation, advising staff to switch off electrical appliances when not in use to avoid overloading the facility.
He noted that solar energy solutions could also benefit households and businesses, particularly given the persistent reliability challenges of the national grid.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the state government decided to adopt solar power after discovering the high cost of maintaining diesel-powered infrastructure.
He revealed that Lagos had been spending about N800 million monthly to fuel generators used to power streetlights across the state.
Omotoso said the shift to renewable energy reflects the government’s broader strategy to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
“This is a transformation to renewable energy, a transformation to a healthy source of power and a system that is simple, safe and secure,” he said.
The project forms part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to integrate renewable energy into public infrastructure and reduce operational costs across government facilities.
