Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, a renowned advocate for consumer rights and renewable energy, is leading efforts to reshape Nigeria’s energy sector through innovative solutions.
As the executive director of the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), she has dedicated her career to addressing the nation’s electricity deficit and championing the adoption of green energy.
In her work, Ndukwe-Okafor emphasises the transformative potential of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and renewable energy technologies in tackling electricity poverty. By collaborating with organisations like Jacob’s Ladder Africa, CADEF is spearheading programmes that empower young Nigerians and drive sustainable energy development across the country.
Ndukwe-Okafor’s vision for Nigeria’s energy future is rooted in leveraging the nation’s abundant natural resources to build a sustainable and self-reliant economy.
For Ndukwe-Okafor, education and awareness are critical to driving Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy. She highlighted a significant gap in the country’s education system, noting the lack of focus on renewable energy technologies in secondary and tertiary curricula.
“To fully harness renewable energy, we must cultivate a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and producing renewable energy solutions,” she asserts. Ndukwe-Okafor advocates for an overhaul of the education system to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for a green energy future.
Empowerment Through DER Initiative
Through the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) initiative, an online platform which provides tools like a solar calculator, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about adopting solar energy while avoiding exploitation by unscrupulous vendors, CADEF aimed to make electricity more accessible and affordable for Nigerians. “Our goal is to reach 20,000 to 30,000 users within the next three months. We want at least 20% of visitors to consider renewable energy as a viable solution for their energy needs,” Ndukwe-Okafor explained.
Challenges In The Renewable Energy Sector
Despite the potential of renewable energy, Ndukwe-Okafor acknowledges challenges such as information dissemination and accessibility. To address these, CADEF collaborates with various agencies and organizations to improve awareness and provide reliable information. She also advocated for government intervention to make renewable energy solutions more affordable. ‘Removing tariffs on imported renewable energy materials and offering tax incentives for installations are necessary steps to encourage adoption,’ she advised.
Empowering Youth Through Innovation
A key focus for CADEF is empowering young Nigerians to participate in the green energy sector. The organization’s Green Labs Incubation Programme, in partnership with Jacob’s Ladder Africa, is nurturing the next generation of innovators. The program has selected 20 participants to undergo intensive training in finance, leadership, market research, and business development over nine months.
This initiative is designed to equip young innovators with the skills to turn ideas into successful businesses, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the renewable energy space.
Looking ahead, Ndukwe-Okafor envisions a Nigeria powered by renewable energy, enabling economic growth and industrial development. ‘By investing in renewable energy, we can revive our manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on imports,’ she asserts.
Her vision extends beyond energy to a broader call for sustainable practices and community-driven solutions. “The future is shaped by technology, sustainability, and human connection. Young Nigerians should focus on emerging technologies and build strong communities to support one another,” she advised.
Education And Career
Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor is a highly accomplished educator, IT expert, entrepreneur, software developer, motivational speaker, and author with over 33 years of experience in higher education and advocacy. A graduate of UMass Boston (MIS), Anna Maria College (MBA), and Northeastern University (MPA, Ed.D), she has held roles as a professor, dean, department chair, and curriculum designer.
She has worked with organizations across the US, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, focusing on strategy design, training, and capacity building. As CEO of Sources Resources Logistics and Consulting, co-owner of Anyworkman Services, and co-founder of multiple technology initiatives, she drives innovation and development. Through her leadership of CADEF, she fosters economic and social empowerment via strategic alliances and advocacy.
An author of programming texts and a trained entrepreneurship trainer, Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor champions green energy solutions like DER and the Green Labs program to transform Nigeria’s economy and promote sustainability. She also serves on numerous advisory boards, advancing her commitment to impactful leadership and sustainable development.