Nigeria’s push towards a sustainable energy economy received a boost on Wednesday as the 2025 Nigeria International Lighting Expo opened in Lagos, attracting over 120 local and international exhibitors.
The three-day exhibition, holding at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, showcases cutting-edge zero-carbon lighting technologies that align with the federal government’s energy transition goals.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Lisa Lin Xueying, General Manager of the organising committee and head of Zhongshan Company Ltd., said the expo was spotlighting innovative products designed to make lighting greener, smarter, and more people-centred.
She explained that exhibitors are showcasing solar-powered lamps capable of storing energy for self-use and smart lighting systems with adaptive brightness controls, all of which are positioned to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels.
“With over 120 exhibitors from home and abroad, this expo is not just about products but about solutions. Light symbolises wisdom and hope, brightening spaces and reshaping experiences,” Xueying said.
She noted that lighting technology is undergoing a dramatic transformation — from LED advances to smart systems — expanding its role in modern economies. She also highlighted the synergy between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda as creating new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, projected sustained growth for Africa’s lighting market, driven by LED products, smart systems, and solar-powered devices.
She said Nigeria’s economic expansion, rapid urbanisation, and infrastructure upgrades are fueling demand for advanced, energy-efficient lighting solutions. “Consumers are shifting from basic lighting functions towards intelligent, customised systems that enhance quality of life,” she stated.
According to Yuqing, ongoing investments in West Africa’s power grid and renewable energy projects are providing a solid foundation for the industry’s expansion. She described the expo as an important platform for deepening trade relations and encouraging innovation between Chinese and African enterprises.
Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said the state government is investing heavily in solar power for households and small businesses but urged broader collaboration to achieve a 24-hour powered economy.
“The lighting industry has become a marketplace for collaboration and knowledge sharing. We are committed, but we need stakeholders’ input to drive sustainable economic transformation,” Ogunleye said.
Also speaking, Yi Hon Ehab Sefeen, Chairman of Shinning Star Global Smart Technology Group, commended the organisers, adding that Chinese investors were not only exploring Nigeria’s energy opportunities but also contributing to the nation’s industrial growth.
With Nigeria’s energy transition high on the agenda, the Lagos expo is expected to provide fresh momentum for investment in renewable energy, efficient lighting solutions, and technology-driven sustainability models critical to national economic growth.
