Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and industrial automation, has reiterated its dedication to fostering Nigeria’s economic growth by generating jobs and enhancing productivity in the manufacturing sector.
During the inauguration of the company’s new headquarters in Aromire, Ikeja, Lagos, Ajibola Akindele, Country President for Schneider Electric in West Africa, emphasized that this development signifies a major step in the company’s commitment to Nigeria and Africa’s economic advancement through sustainable energy solutions that empower individuals, communities, and industries.
Akindele highlighted Schneider Electric’s ongoing efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and job creation through strategic local partnerships.
“At Schneider Electric, we are focused on driving economic growth and creating jobs in Nigeria and throughout West Africa. We have established over 300 partnerships in Nigeria, including distributors, retailers, contractors, system integrators, and panel builders. Our partnership strategy is centered on building local capacity to better serve our customers.
“Through these partnerships, we indirectly create more than 3,000 jobs in Nigeria, contributing to Schneider Electric’s global network of over 6 million partners. We have faith in the Nigerian and African markets and are committed to their growth by investing in local talent and tailored solutions.
“Over the past 19 years on Tunde Gafar Street, we have grown from 40 to 250 employees, supporting vital sectors such as power, oil and gas, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and construction. This new facility will not only cater to the West African market but will also serve as a hub to showcase our capabilities, innovations, and problem-solving skills,” he stated.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Laurent Favier, Consul-General of France in Nigeria; Engr (Mrs) Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Lagos State; Walid Sheta, Zone President of Schneider Electric Middle East and Africa; Devan Pillay, Cluster President of Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa; and Omobolanle Omotayo, Marketing and Communications Manager for Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, along with partners, reporters, and other guests.
The French envoy congratulated the Schneider Electric team on this achievement. “Congratulations to the Schneider team for reaching this significant milestone. France is committed to supporting your efforts in Nigeria. Together, we aim to enhance and promote French interests in the region,” Favier remarked.
Sheta discussed the company’s commitment to integrating sustainability practices across its African operations. “Time Magazine recognized Schneider Electric as the most sustainable company in the world, and we are dedicated to upholding that standard in Nigeria. Sustainability is closely linked to development and energy access, which remains a significant challenge in Africa. We believe that sustainable economic development will emerge from Africa. To achieve this, we must invest in our talent to develop products, solutions, and software for deployment in vast territories like Nigeria. We take pride in being the most local of global companies. We are also committed to achieving net-zero operations, ensuring that our distribution centers, factories, hotels, and hospitals meet net-zero standards. Most importantly, we provide our customers with electrification and digitization that integrates sustainability into our operations,” he explained.
Pillay emphasized the importance of Schneider Electric’s unified headquarters in Lagos, stating, “As a complex company operating in two primary areas—electrical distribution and industrial automation—it is crucial for us to leverage all our key operations within the country. By consolidating our leadership for West Africa and bringing our teams together in one office, we can harness the power of collaboration to achieve more. This modern facility reflects Schneider’s commitment to fostering a progressive workplace environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.”
Schneider Electric drives digital transformation by integrating leading process and energy technologies, connecting products, controls, software, and services across the entire lifecycle, enabling comprehensive management for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries.
The new facility, strategically located in Lagos, will serve as a central hub for Schneider Electric’s operations in Nigeria and the wider West African market.
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