In a significant step towards deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Norway, United Bank for Africa has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 UBA branches in five Nigerian states.
This initiative was formalized at the official Ribbon Cutting ceremony held at the UBA Oba Akran 2 branch, Ikeja-Lagos, on Wednesday, by the Nordic Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra, which followed a walkthrough of the Inverter/Battery Room and operations by the Renewvia team.
A statement from the bank indicates that this initiative reflects a growing commitment to sustainable investment and innovation, a key message emphasized by UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, during the recent Norway-Africa Business Summit held in Oslo.
At the summit, Elumelu urged global partners to view Africa not as an aid destination, but as a continent of opportunity and enterprise, stating: “Africa needs partners, not charity,” and calling for deeper collaboration built on mutual respect, entrepreneurship, and investment.
UBA confirmed the scope of the project, stating: “Under a 10-year Power-as-a-Service agreement, Renewvia will deploy advanced solar and battery hybrid systems across UBA’s branches, ensuring superior power reliability, operational efficiency, and an enhanced customer experience.
Upon full rollout, the project will cover 50 locations across 18 states, representing 3 MWp of solar capacity and 7 MWh of energy storage.” UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, affirmed the bank’s commitment, saying: “At UBA, we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but a key part of building Africa’s future.”
The Managing Director, Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited, Adebowale Dosunmu, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “This partnership with UBA marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver reliable, clean energy to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria.”
Oladipupo Omodara, CEO of Incremental Energy Solutions Ltd, who also spoke on the project, praised the bank’s support, saying: “We appreciate the cooperation and pro-activeness of the UBA management team, whose support helped bring this remarkable project and partnership to life.”
Adding to the remarks, CEO of Empower New Energy, Terje Osmundsen, confirmed the financial backing: “Empower New Energy is proud to be the financing partner for landmark project with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, supporting UBA’s commitment to cleaner and more reliable energy.”
Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra, noted that the partnership is a “shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic investment and innovative practices.”
