In Nigeria’s dynamic urban centres, lighting has evolved beyond basic utility into a vital driver of safety, communication, and transformation. As the global shift from fossil fuels to greener energy intensifies, organisations are increasingly called to lead the transition. Among the key players is Aiona Nigeria Limited, an emerging force in sustainable energy and corporate branding.
Founded by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ayo Onabamiro and led alongside the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jide Pratt, Aiona has built a strong reputation for manufacturing and deploying high-efficiency solar and LED lighting solutions. Its projects span public infrastructure, retail, banking, and energy, positioning the company at the forefront of Nigeria’s clean energy movement.
Profiling Aiona: Mission, Reach, and Credentials
From its Lagos base, Aiona Nigeria Limited delivers more than illumination. It offers vision. Its product range, from integrated solar streetlamps to advanced LED signage, lights, oil depots, roadways, estates, and fuel stations nationwide.
Guided by a mission to provide innovative, reliable, and cost-effective lighting for communication and partnerships, Aiona holds the International Standard Organisation’s (ISO) ISO9001:2015 certification and exclusive SloanLED distributorships, cementing its credibility in both local and international markets.
“The quality you expect, the price you need,” symbolises Aiona’s ethos, which is “delivering solutions with integrity, accountability, and value.” The company noted.
In Conversation: Greening Nigeria’s Nightscape
Amid Nigeria’s accelerated push toward cleaner energy, Aiona Nigeria Limited is reshaping how communities and businesses approach lighting. Through high-efficiency solar and LED technologies, the company is reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and transforming urban and rural illumination to support sustainable development.
In this exclusive interview, founders Ayo Onabamiro and Jide Pratt share insights on their innovative solutions, operational vision, and the role Aiona plays in advancing Nigeria’s evolving nightscape.
SSA: What drives Aiona’s transition towards renewables like solar power?
Jide Pratt: Our dedication stems from Nigeria’s unreliable power grid. By introducing solar lighting for public and perimeter spaces, we take lighting off the grid, making energy access stable, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
SSA: How do your products promote environmental sustainability?
Ayo Onabamiro: Solar lights use the sun, not fossil fuels, directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our LED technology also cuts power use costs and is substantially cheaper when compared to traditional electric lighting.
SSA: What technical innovations set Aiona’s products apart?
Jide Pratt: We put to use high-lumen efficacy LEDs of up to 210 lumens per watt, which are paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries for long life, plus Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers for optimal solar performance. Our lights are Ingress Protection (IP - against water and dust) IP66-rated, with 12-hour night discharge and durability during the rains.
SSA: How does solar lighting mitigate climate impact for communities?
Ayo Onabamiro: Solar technology helps Nigeria transition away from fossil-fueled generators. Deploying solar inverters in communities slashes fossil fuel use, air pollution, and operational costs.
SSA: Tell us about your battery technology.
Jide Pratt: Our lithium iron phosphate batteries offer thermal stability, withstand varied temperatures, last longer, and contain fewer hazardous materials, which are instrumental for sustainability and reliability.
SSA: How central is innovation at Aiona?
Ayo Onabamiro: “We are always evolving. Continuous Research and development (R&D) allow us to implement new, environmentally friendly models, thereby keeping us ahead and ensuring that every new solution is better for users and the planet.
SSA: How do you guarantee product reliability and durability?
Jide Pratt: Quality control is non-negotiable. Our ISO certification demands rigorous standards, and our products are built for longevity, with a three-year warranty for our solar equipment and five to seven years for high bay and floodlights. planet.
SSA: What economic benefits do your lighting systems realise?
Ayo Onabamiro: Reduced electricity and generator costs translate to 40–60% less energy spending, often more. Businesses see faster return on investment (ROI) and lower maintenance costs, building sustainability and good business.
SSA: Addressing reliability during rainy periods?
Jide Pratt: Our battery and panel specs ensure consistent performance even with days of limited sunlight. We engineer solutions specifically for Nigeria’s climate reality.
SSA: Which international certifications back your sustainability claims?
Ayo Onabamiro: ISO9001, conforms with Europe (CE), Restriction of hazardous materials (RoHS - an EU standard not to use some items to manufacture) - these guarantee our products meet global standards for safety, efficiency, and responsible manufacturing.
SSA: How does your brand philosophy – “Buy lumens, not watts” helps to shift mindsets?
Jide Pratt: It is simple: Brightness is what matters, not energy consumed. By educating customers to focus on lumens, we promote savings and sustainability.
SSA: Implementation of smart technologies?
Ayo Onabamiro: Remote controls, microwave sensors, and cloud-based management are options for our solar and LED lights. These features boost energy efficiency and create integrated lighting ecosystems.
SSA: How do Aiona products support the UN SDGs?
Jide Pratt: Primarily SDG7 - affordable, clean energy. Our solar lights directly expand renewables, improving Nigeria’s energy mix and resilience.
SSA Question: Challenges in market adoption?
Ayo Onabamiro: Opinions on the cost can be challenging, but our solutions pay for themselves. Superior lighting, energy savings, and long warranties overcome initial hesitancy.
SSA Question: Vision for the future—what’s next?
Ayo Onabamiro: We’re intentional about taking public lighting off the grid, community by community. Our aim is to illuminate Nigeria sustainably and ultimately, Africa, with proven, reliable technology.”
Impact and Advocacy
Aiona’s projects illuminate oil depots, public parks, roads, and filling stations for clients including Geregu Power Plc., MRS and Sahara Group, etc. Through smart, low-maintenance technologies and local expertise, it boosts safety, enhances communication, and strengthens community pride in Nigerian infrastructure.
Aiona Nigeria Limited, driven by high efficiency, reliable products and constant innovation, stands as a model for sustainable business in Africa, using strong leadership and engineering to advance cleaner energy and smarter lighting, transforming cities project by project.
