LAGOS/Nigeria: MTN Nigeria and WATT Renewable Limited have entered into a strategic partnership to deploy renewable energy infrastructure across key telecommunications facilities nationwide, a move expected to significantly reduce diesel dependence, improve operational resilience and accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy solutions in the country.
The ambitious programme will see the deployment of approximately 34 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic generation capacity and 40 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems across selected MTN facilities, including data centres, switch facilities, cable landing stations, customer service centres and other critical network locations.
The partnership also includes the installation of renewable energy systems to power 60-kilowatt electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at eight MTN locations in Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano and Ibadan.
According to both organisations, the initiative is designed to reduce reliance on diesel-powered systems, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance operational uptime and strengthen business continuity across MTN’s nationwide operations while supporting Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy and sustainable mobility.
Industry observers say the partnership comes at a time when the demand for reliable energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly critical to sustaining telecommunications services and supporting the country’s expanding digital economy.
Based on current projections, the programme is expected to help prevent approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the next five years, subject to operational performance and final emissions calculations.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of WATT Renewable Corporation, Mr. Oluwole Eweje, described the partnership as a landmark achievement that would strengthen the energy backbone supporting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
“This partnership is a defining milestone for First WATT and an important step in strengthening the energy infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s digital economy. By deploying solar photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage across selected MTN facilities, we are helping to improve energy reliability at critical locations where uptime is essential,” Eweje said.
He noted that the EV charging component of the project highlights the growing role of renewable energy in supporting cleaner transportation systems and advancing Nigeria’s low-carbon mobility agenda.
“The EV charging component also demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can support Nigeria’s transition to lower-carbon mobility. By providing renewable power systems for EV charging sites, this programme helps address one of the key requirements for wider EV adoption: reliable and cleaner energy supply,” he added.
Also speaking, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability objectives and efforts to build more reliable and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
“As Nigeria’s energy and mobility landscape evolves, renewable energy will play an important role in building cleaner and more reliable infrastructure. This partnership supports our efforts to reduce diesel dependence, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the resilience of the systems that power connectivity,” Okigbo stated.
He explained that the initiative is also consistent with MTN Nigeria’s Project Zero strategy under its “Doing for Planet” sustainability pillar, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy across its operations.
The collaboration underscores the growing role of private sector partnerships in addressing energy challenges, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting the infrastructure required for Nigeria’s digital and economic transformation.
