The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition to build a thriving technology sector is heavily constrained by the country’s persistent power supply challenges. Speaking at a recent conference themed “Technology and the Future of Work in Nigeria,” the Chamber stressed that stable electricity is fundamental for technological advancement, innovation, and digital economic growth.
According to NACC, the tech industry depends critically on uninterrupted power to function efficiently. From startups to large tech hubs, energy is essential for running data centers, maintaining connectivity, powering devices, and ensuring seamless remote work and software development. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s unreliable power infrastructure increases operational costs and limits productivity, discouraging investment in the sector.
The Chamber pointed out that many startups and SMEs are forced to rely on expensive alternatives such as diesel generators and solar power solutions to sustain their operations. These alternatives not only strain limited budgets but also make Nigerian tech firms less competitive globally. As a result, many promising innovations fail to scale or attract international funding, especially when compared to countries with more stable infrastructure.
Additionally, the NACC noted that stable power is a critical enabler for digital inclusion and remote work, both of which are central to the modern tech ecosystem. Without consistent electricity, rural and underserved communities remain cut off from digital opportunities, widening the digital divide and reducing the pool of talent that can participate in the tech economy.
Beyond power, the Chamber highlighted other challenges hindering the tech sector, including inadequate infrastructure, regulatory inconsistencies, and limited access to financing. However, it maintained that solving the power problem would significantly improve the operating environment for technology-driven businesses.
To address this, the NACC called for urgent investment in Nigeria’s energy sector, including reforms in power generation, transmission, and distribution. It also encouraged public-private partnerships to develop sustainable energy solutions that can meet the demands of the tech ecosystem.
The Chamber urged the government to prioritize infrastructure development, especially in technology hubs such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. It argued that without bold and consistent action to stabilize power, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global digital race and losing out on the benefits of job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. The NACC reiterated that the future of work is digital and tech-driven, and Nigeria must urgently fix its power problems if it hopes to be a competitive player in the global technology landscape. Stable electricity, according to the Chamber, is not just a convenience—it is a foundation for progress.
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