The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy is drafting landmark legislation, the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA), to drive job creation and expand opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria’s renewable energy space.
The proposed law, currently in development, aims to bridge clean energy investment with inclusive employment, particularly targeting youth, women, and SME-led businesses. By fostering local enterprise participation across the renewable energy value chain, from solar panel installation to equipment supply and maintenance, the bill is set to transform the sector into a vibrant economic driver.
According to the committee, NIGJA will support the growth of local businesses through:
- Targeted skills development
- Strengthening of technical training institutions
- Incentivizing domestic production of renewable energy components, which are currently largely imported
The bill will also require federal ministries and agencies to integrate renewable energy solutions into their operations, effectively creating new demand and markets for SMEs offering energy services, digital tools, and sustainable business solutions.
With Nigeria aiming for 30% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030, the bill could unlock over 340,000 direct jobs by the end of the decade, many of which are expected to come from SME-led initiatives. Flagship programs such as Solar Power Naija and the Next-Gen RESCO Program have already shown early success in using SMEs as engines for clean energy delivery and rural electrification.
However, challenges such as limited skilled labour and restricted access to finance remain barriers to growth. In response, the committee is incorporating provisions that will improve access to:
- Technical and vocational training
- Innovation and incubation hubs
- Affordable financing, especially for women- and youth-led SMEs
The bill also aligns with Africa’s regional trade ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), potentially positioning Nigerian SMEs to export clean energy technologies and services across West Africa.
Stakeholders across civil society, development agencies, and the private sector are actively supporting the bill’s development to ensure it meets real business needs and is tailored to Nigeria’s unique economic and environmental landscape.
Once passed, the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act is expected to become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s transition to a green economy, boosting SME participation, accelerating climate resilience, and generating thousands of sustainable jobs.
