Nigeria's charging station enterprises are profiting from power outages
Nigeria's Charging Booth Ecosystem: A Growing but Challenged Sector
Nigeria's charging booth ecosystem has experienced significant growth since 2017, transitioning from minimal infrastructure to a limited but expanding network. As of 2025, there are approximately 12 charging and battery-swapping stations across the country, primarily located in commercial zones like Lagos [1][3][5].
The evolution of charging booths in Nigeria has been marked by ongoing challenges related to electricity supply and affordability. Despite these obstacles, some companies have managed to make the business profitable by focusing on niche segments, such as motorcycles, and adopting battery-swapping models popular with urban riders and delivery services [1][3].
One such company is Spiro, which has successfully deployed over 33,000 electric motorcycles and a battery-swapping network across multiple African countries, including Nigeria [5]. This demonstrates a profitable model within the motorcycle segment.
Profitability remains limited but is improving for these charging booths. Key strategies for sustainability include leveraging existing fuel stations for EV charging, integrating solar mini-grids for power reliability, and developing standards and sustainable business models to boost demand and financial viability [1][3].
In terms of profit, operators like Bobby Ogbolu, who set up a charging booth in Ikotun, Lagos in late 2017, made about ₦4,000-₦5,000 in net profit daily by using a generator [2]. On the other hand, solar-powered charging startups like Pawatank average around 9,000 charging sessions monthly and generate ₦800,000-₦900,000 in net profit [4]. Pawatank aims to expand its network across Nigeria, with the goal of building a groundwork for EV charging stations as part of a wider clean energy network [4].
Despite progress, the charging booth ecosystem in Nigeria still faces challenges. For instance, the country's daily power generation averages between 3,000-4,500 MW for a population of over 200 million [6]. To mitigate this issue, operators like Pawatank and some others are adopting solar power to reduce fuel costs [3].
Table: Evolution of Charging Booths in Nigeria (2017-2025)
| Aspect | Status in 2017 | Status in 2025 | |----------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Charging Booths | Minimal or no infrastructure | About 12 charging/battery-swap sites; solar-powered booths emerging; EV dealerships present[1][3][5] | | Technology | Nascent; mainly pilot projects | Battery-swapping popular for two- and three-wheelers; solar integration increasing[1][3][5] | | Electricity Supply | Poor and unreliable | Still a major challenge; mini-grids and solar solutions being adopted to mitigate[1][3] | | Profitability | Mostly unprofitable or non-existent | Improving for niche segments like motorcycles; focus on leveraging fuel stations and private investments for sustainability[1][3][5] | | Market Adoption | Very low EV presence | Estimated 15,000-20,000 EVs in use; growth projected at 6.8% annually through 2031[5] |
As the charging booth ecosystem in Nigeria continues to develop, it faces both challenges and opportunities. Strategic deployments and business models are paving the way for growth aligned with global EV adoption trends [1][3][5].
- The expansion of technology in Nigeria's charging booth ecosystem has led to the incorporation of solar power in some charging booths, such as those operated by Pawatank, in an effort to reduce fuel costs and address the ongoing challenge of unreliable electricity supply.
- In terms of education and self-development, the evolving charging booth ecosystem in Nigeria provides an opportunity for individuals interested in finance to explore investments in this growing but challenged sector, particularly with the increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and the focus on sustainability.
- General news outlets often cover the development of charging booth technology in Nigeria, highlighting the improving profitability for providers who focus on niche segments like motorcycles and leverage existing fuel stations for EV charging, like the startup Spiro that operates across multiple African countries.
- As the uptake of electric vehicles continues, sports enthusiasts in Nigeria may begin to see the integration of electric vehicles in sports events, such as the increasing number of electric motorcycles on the roads thanks to the success of companies like Spiro, opening up new possibilities for lifestyle choices and sports competitions centered around environmentally friendly technologies.
