The Lagos State Government has installed a solar power system at Radio Lagos and Eko FM in a move aimed at cutting diesel costs, reducing dependence on the national grid, and ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting.

The 150KVA outdoor solar generator installed by Alternatio Navitas Limited was unveiled on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and 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 persistent power challenges had tested operations over the years.

He noted that unreliable power supply had long affected the stations 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.

“But we all know that the challenges of power supply in our country have always tested our resilience. Today, I say with pride that with the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that has changed. 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.

He stressed that the project would ensure continuous service 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. 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 favourite programmes will continue to reach our listeners without a single setback or downturn,” he added.

Lawal said the stations were now better positioned to sustain operations.

“We are now better positioned to amplify policies, strengthen hope and keep the airwaves alive, come rain or shine, day or night,” he stated.

Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Alternatio Navitas Limited, Tayo Ogidan, said Nigeria’s electricity supply remained inadequate compared to its population, forcing heavy reliance on generators.

Ogidan said the solar installation at Radio Lagos in Ikeja was designed specifically for the stations’ operational needs.

“I think one of our tasks was to actually provide adequate and sustainable power for Eko FM based on what they need… What we decided to do was to provide something special,” he said.

Speaking on the capacity of the project, Ogidan said, “What we have here is a 150-kilowatt system with 350-kilowatt power, which is powered by 720-watt solar panels. I think we have about 150 of them.”

“This is not just a technological upgrade. This is a beacon of hope for a brighter future,” he added.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, urged the stations’ management to properly utilise savings from reduced diesel consumption.

“I want to also beg you, the management, please, the savings you have from diesel, power bills, and all the other maintenance issues; save them properly and use the funds wisely,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for energy conservation, stating, “Unlike public power that you can just bring everything on and walk away, we must have the culture of switching off everything not in use. No need to stress the facility.”

Ogunleye noted that solar solutions could be adopted by households and businesses, especially as the grid remains largely unreliable.

Also speaking, Omotoso, said the government adopted solar after discovering the high cost of running diesel-powered infrastructure.

“I discovered that we were spending about N800m per month to fuel generators that power the streetlights. And the governor said it did not make any sense and that it was not sustainable, and that in any case, we were not getting the value for the money,” he said.

He added that the state’s transition to solar represented a broader shift to renewable energy.

“I am very happy today that it is not just that we are seeing that it is working; we are seeing that it is a total transformation to renewable energy, a total transformation to a healthy source of energy, and a transformation to a system that is simple, that is safe, and that is secure,” Omotoso said.