The intervention provides clean, reliable electricity to help young tailors reduce operating costs, improve productivity and grow their businesses.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has handed over solar power installations at the Tinubu and Apongbon Fashion Hubs on Lagos Island, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.
Implemented under the Bank’s Youth & Skills thematic area, the intervention addresses a major challenge facing young tailors and fashion entrepreneurs: access to reliable electricity.
The project is expected to benefit 81 young fashion entrepreneurs, comprising 45 at the Tinubu Hub and 36 at the Apongbon Hub. The installations will provide clean, dependable and cost-effective electricity to support daily tailoring operations and business expansion.
Addressing a Key Barrier to Business Growth
The initiative followed site visits and engagements with young tailors and designers at both hubs, where electricity was identified as a major contributor to operating expenses.
By improving access to reliable power, the intervention is expected to help beneficiaries reduce production interruptions, meet customer deadlines and increase their production capacity.
Speaking on the intervention, Mrs. Aderonke Akinluyi, Lead Youth and Skills Thematic Champion at BOI, said the project reflects the Bank’s commitment to removing practical barriers that prevent young Nigerians from turning their skills into sustainable enterprises.
“For young entrepreneurs, access to reliable power is not simply an infrastructure issue; it is a productivity, competitiveness and, ultimately, a livelihood issue. By providing these fashion entrepreneurs with clean and dependable energy, we are helping them lower their operating costs which will ultimately increase their profit margins.
“At the Bank of Industry, in line with our Youth and Skills thematic area, our commitment is to equip young Nigerians with the skills and resources to build enterprises that translate their potential into sustainable economic value.”
Reliable Power, Stronger Customer Confidence
Highlighting the impact of the installation, Adebayo Kafayat Adebukonla, Secretary to the Lagos Island Artisans, said reliable electricity is already improving how beneficiaries serve their customers.
“Before this solar installation, constant power outages made it difficult to meet deadlines and grow our businesses. Now, with a reliable and steady electricity supply, we can deliver finished clothes to our customers on time while reducing our carbon footprint. This has boosted customer confidence and it is inspiring more young people in our community to pursue careers in fashion design.”
Supporting Youth Enterprise and Sustainable Development
The solar power intervention is expected to support improved productivity, operational efficiency, expanded production capacity and job creation within the fashion hubs.
It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Through this initiative, BOI continues to demonstrate that youth enterprise development extends beyond access to finance. It also requires infrastructure, skills development, access to markets and an enabling environment that helps young entrepreneurs build resilient businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.