Somtoo Obidike is a computer science graduate turned techpreneur and the founder of Bergmen Energies. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, he speaks about Nigerian power and energy challenges and the way forward.
As a computer science graduate, how would you describe your journey in the Nigerian labour market?
As a computer science graduate, turned founder of Bergmen Energies, my journey through Nigeria’s labour market has been a winding path of resilience and reinvention. Fresh out of university, I dove into the tech scene, launching ventures that ranged from software solutions to e-commerce platforms. The Nigerian labour market, with its high unemployment rates — hovering around 33 per cent in recent years — and fierce competition, taught me adaptability and grit. I faced the same challenges many entrepreneurs faced: limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and an unpredictable economy. Yet, each venture sharpened my problem-solving skills, honed during my computer science days, and deepened my understanding of market gaps.
The pivot to energy solutions wasn’t random — it was personal. Nigeria’s erratic power supply disrupted my early businesses, costing me time and money. That frustration, paired with my tech-driven mindset, sparked Bergmen Energies. My prior entrepreneurial stints instilled a customer-first approach, pushing me to create a no-upfront-cost solar model tailored to Nigeria’s realities. The labour market’s volatility made me resourceful; its energy woes made me purposeful. Today, I’m driven to empower others with reliable power, a mission shaped by every setback and triumph.
Your profile says you are into energy solutions. What motivated you to go into this line of business?
Reflecting on my journey as the Founder of Bergmen Energies, my motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to address Nigeria’s persistent energy crisis and its devastating impact on businesses and communities. Witnessing industries lose 40 per cent of their revenue to power outages and families struggling with unreliable electricity ignited a passion to provide a solution that’s both practical and sustainable. The tripling of electricity demand over decades and the grid’s inability to keep pace revealed a clear gap I felt compelled to fill. My drive intensified seeing the exorbitant diesel costs draining resources that could fuel growth, and the environmental toll of generator reliance clashing with global climate goals.
I founded Bergmen to deliver affordable, decentralised solar power, eliminating upfront costs and slashing tariffs, because I believe energy shouldn’t be a barrier but a catalyst for progress. The potential to empower 2,500 industries by 2030, pioneer local battery energy storage solutions, and educate Nigerians about quality solar products further fuels me. It’s about building a legacy of economic empowerment, sustainability, and resilience for Nigeria’s future.
How would you describe, or even rate, the current mainstream electricity/energy situation of Nigeria as it is being generated and distributed by the government and a few private firms?
Nigeria’s electricity consumption has tripled since the 1990s, driven by rapid population growth and industrial expansion. Despite an installed capacity of 12,522 MW, actual available power is often much lower, around 4,000-5,000 MW, due to inefficiencies and infrastructural challenges. Over 90 million Nigerians lack access to electricity, and those connected to the grid endure frequent outages.
The government has implemented policies to expand capacity and improve access, including the Renewable Energy Master Plan and the Nigeria Electrification Project. Private firms have also played a significant role in driving innovation and investment in solar and other renewable energy projects. Decentralised systems, such as solar mini-grids, have shown promise in delivering reliable power to underserved areas.
While progress has been made, the scale of the challenge remains significant. Nigeria’s energy future requires massive investment, infrastructural overhaul, and accelerated execution to meet the demands of its growing population. The current efforts are a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to power a nation of over 200 million people. Without sustained efforts, Nigeria’s energy future will remain dimmer than its potential suggests.
There are many fake and substandard solar electricity products in Nigerian markets. What advice do you have for Nigerians regarding how to identify and buy original solar products that would last and serve them well?
We believe education is key to tackling the issue of fake and substandard solar products in Nigeria. To identify genuine products, Nigerians should research reputable suppliers, check for certifications, like IEC or ISO standards, and avoid suspiciously cheap products. Genuine solar systems typically have warranties of 10-25 years for panels and 5-10 years for batteries.
Partnering with established companies, like Bergmen Energies, which offers transparent consultation and free guidance, is crucial. We help customers navigate the market and avoid substandard products. Prioritising verified suppliers, certified products, and professional installation ensures reliable, long-term value. We empower customers to make informed decisions. Public awareness campaigns are vital to combat misinformation, and we’re committed to educating the masses about renewable energy.
By taking these steps, Nigerians can invest in solar solutions that deliver sustainable value and contribute to a cleaner future.
Tell us about Bergmen and the problem it is meant to solve.
As the Founder of Bergmen Energies, I’m proud to lead a company transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. We specialise in decentralised solar power solutions tailored to commercial and industrial clients. Nigeria’s energy crisis is well-documented, with businesses losing up to 40 per cent of revenue due to power disruptions. Our innovative tariff-based model eliminates upfront investment costs, allowing clients to pay only for the electricity they consume at a 20-50 per cent lower rate than traditional energy sources.
Our solutions enhance operational efficiency, providing a steady supply of electricity and reducing reliance on diesel generators. Sustainability is also a key aspect of our mission, as we help clients reduce their carbon footprint and align with global climate goals. By delivering cost-effective solar solutions, significant savings, boosting efficiency, and driving sustainable growth. Bergmen Energies is a catalyst for change, offering a way out of unreliable and expensive energy for Nigerian businesses. We promise to deliver a cleaner, more prosperous future, one watt at a time. With our tailored solutions, businesses can reinvest savings into growth and development, and Nigeria can move towards a more sustainable energy future.
There is no doubt that solar electricity is the way forward for most Nigerian homes and businesses, but the affordability of the solution is the problem. Does Bergmen consider common people and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the sales of its products?
We believe solar electricity is the future for Nigerian homes and businesses. We tackle affordability challenges head-on, especially for common people and SMEs. Our innovative tariff-based model allows customers to pay only for the electricity they use at rates significantly lower than diesel or grid power. Through long-term power purchase agreements, we eliminate hefty initial investments, making renewable energy viable for all. We design tailored solar solutions, from small systems for SMEs to hybrid setups for homes, ensuring reliability and savings.
By partnering with financial institutions, we’re reducing barriers to bringing clean, affordable power to Nigeria’s grassroots. Our mission is to deliver sustainability as a necessity, not a luxury. We aim to make solar electricity accessible to everyone, driving economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. Our approach is game-changing, empowering local businesses and families to thrive.
It is suspected that most solar electricity products, including those of Bergmen, are manufactured abroad. Does Bergmen have plans, now or in the future, to manufacture solar products in Nigeria?
While many solar products are currently manufactured abroad, we’re exploring local production, particularly in Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS). We aim to pioneer BESS development in Nigeria and establish local manufacturing by 2030, reducing reliance on imports. With the right investment, skilled workforce, and government support, local production can revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector by creating jobs, lowering costs, and accelerating the deployment of tailored solutions. This would strengthen energy security, decrease foreign exchange pressure, and position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
By 2030, Bergmen intends to lead this charge, blending solar and BESS innovation to power a sustainable, self-reliant future. Our goal is to drive progress and empower Nigeria’s energy independence.
Where do you see yourself and Bergmen Energies in the power sector of Nigeria in five years?
In five years, by April 2030, I envision Bergmen Energies as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s power sector, leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions. Our mission remains unwavering: to drive subsidised electricity tariffs for commercial and industrial clients, fostering economic growth and sustainable development. We’re committed to making renewable energy not just accessible but transformative for Nigeria’s businesses. By 2030, our vision is to power at least 2,500 industries with reliable, cost-effective solar solutions, significantly reducing their dependence on the unreliable grid and costly diesel generators.
I see Bergmen expanding its footprint, deploying decentralised solar systems and pioneering BESS across the country. We aim to be at the forefront of local manufacturing, producing solar and storage components in Nigeria to cut costs and create jobs. In five years, I expect us to have solidified partnerships with financial institutions and government bodies, scaling our no-upfront-cost model to reach more SMEs and households.
Personally, I’ll be steering Bergmen to innovate relentlessly, ensuring we contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition goals while empowering industries to thrive. Bergmen will be a catalyst for a cleaner, more prosperous Nigeria.
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