Target Impact: 1,000,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) powered; 50,000+ direct jobs created
Who Can Apply: Small business owners, artisans, and entrepreneurs across all 36 states and the FCT (CAC registration not strictly required for initial application)
To propel local business growth and expand self-reliance across Nigeria, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has officially launched the Tinubu Light Initiative (TLI). Unveiled in Abuja alongside the National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, this flagship renewable energy project delivers affordable clean power to one million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By dramatically reducing operational overheads, the program unlocks vast entrepreneurial opportunities and stimulates sustainable industrial growth.
Powering 1 Million MSMEs
High power tariffs and unreliable grid electricity have long posed major bottlenecks for Nigerian entrepreneurs, swallowing profit margins and limiting business expansion. The Tinubu Light Initiative directly addresses this challenge by deploying flexible financing models and decentralized solar technologies tailored specifically for small-scale business owners, including tailors, barbers, POS operators, provision stores, restaurants, and craft shops.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director-General and CEO of NBTI, emphasized that the initiative serves as an active economic driver. By cutting daily fuel and energy costs, small business owners can preserve capital, invest in modern machinery, and scale operations. Furthermore, the program is projected to generate over 50,000 direct jobs in equipment installation, maintenance, logistics, and local solar component assembly, creating fresh opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs nationwide.
Program Timeline
Following its official unveiling on August 6, 2026, the digital application portal officially went live on August 14, 2026, opening access to business owners across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative operates alongside the NextGen Innovation Challenge, which highlights home-grown technology in fields like climate tech, artificial intelligence, agritech, and advanced manufacturing.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide for Entrepreneurs
Application for the Tinubu Light Initiative is fast, digital, and designed to accommodate both registered and informal micro-enterprises. Business owners can enroll directly by taking the following steps:
Access the Portal: Visit the official portal at tinubulight.ng or navigate through the NBTI Agency Website and click on the “Tinubu Light” banner.
Provide Contact Details: Enter your full name, phone number, email address, state, local government area (LGA), and preferred contact channel.
Complete Business Profile: Select your business sector (e.g., cybercafé, market stall, salon, pharmacy, or manufacturing unit) and specify your location and current employee count.
Conduct Energy Assessment: Outline your current primary power source (Generator, Grid, or Solar) and estimate your average monthly electricity expenses.
Submit Application: Note that CAC registration or TIN is optional during initial registration, allowing informal and unregistered entrepreneurs to apply. Once submitted, candidates receive dashboard credentials to verify their profiles and track selection status.
By removing financial barriers to reliable power, the Tinubu Light Initiative equips Nigerian business owners with the tools necessary to cut costs, increase productivity, and build thriving, sustainable enterprises.
