Renewables
Northern Nigeria looks to solar, biotech and digital tech
Northern Nigeria can overcome structural challenges by combining solar energy, biotechnology and digital tools to drive economic growth and agricultural productivity.
Key points
- Regional leaders emphasize the integration of solar power, biotechnology and IT to boost productivity.
- Abundant solar resources can power irrigation, food processing and digital innovation hubs.
- Biotechnology and digital platforms aim to improve agricultural resilience and crop yields.
- Coordinated investments are needed across federal and state levels to scale these initiatives.
What happened
Experts and government officials gathered recently at an executive training session organised by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms and Image Merchants Promotion Limited to discuss the economic potential of Northern Nigeria. According to PRNigeria, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency head, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, stated that the region's future depends on combining biotechnology, information technology and solar energy.
Complementing this perspective, the National Information Technology Development Agency leader, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted the role of digital literacy, startup incubation and smart agriculture. Together, these agencies aim to build a framework for scientific and digital capabilities across states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara and Borno.
Why it matters
Northern Nigeria experiences high levels of solar irradiation, offering a natural resource for renewable energy expansion. World Bank data from 2024 records Nigeria's electricity access at 62.5 percent, highlighting the need for decentralized power solutions. Expanded solar mini-grids can support irrigation, cold storage and digital hubs.
Agriculture remains vital to the region, yet farmers face severe climate and security pressures. World Bank analysis from July 2026 noted that partial crop losses in Nigeria increased from six percent in 2018-2019 to over 20 percent in 2023-2024. Biotechnology initiatives, such as improved seed varieties and biofertilisers, offer practical ways to address these agricultural vulnerabilities.
What comes next
Translating laboratory research into commercial success will require stronger partnerships involving universities, farming cooperatives and private investors. At the same time, digital extension services and genomic infrastructure must expand to support rural communities and improve local manufacturing capabilities.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
22.0% of electricity in Nigeria was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
