In Nigeria, the sharp rise in fuel prices has put enormous pressure on business owners who once relied on fuel-powered generators to keep their operations running. From barbershops to bakeries, fuel had been the backbone of daily business activities, but as fuel subsidies were slashed, the skyrocketing costs left many at a breaking point. For entrepreneurs like Bright, Kenneth, Prince, and Emeka, a new solution emerged in the form of Lumos, offering a clean, reliable and affordable alternative to their growing power woes.
Across the country, these business owners were spending more on fuel than ever before, constantly juggling between keeping the lights on and covering their mounting expenses. Bright, who runs a barbershop in a semi-rural area, had grown used to starting each day by queuing at the fuel station, often spending ₦70,000 a week just to power his shop’s essentials: clippers, a standing fan, and mobile phones. “Some days I couldn’t even open my shop,” Bright recalls. “If the fuel station ran out, I’d lose both time and customers.” With Lumos, all of that changed and now, Bright powers his shop entirely on solar power during the day, saving at least ₦50,000 a week. This newfound stability has brought relief to his business in addition to his family, as he now takes the Lumos Yellow Box home at night to provide light and power for his household.
For others like Kenneth Emefiena, who owns a bottled water production business, fuel expenses dictated every part of his operation. Running his 12kVA generator for eight hours each day was costly, consuming 35 litres of fuel daily at ₦31,500. The pressure was immense, as Kenneth found himself constantly trying to manage rising costs while keeping his business afloat. With Lumos, he was able to reduce his generator usage by switching to solar power for three hours of daily operations, cutting his fuel costs by ₦11,880 per day. This change not only slashed his expenses but also simplified his day-to-day routine, allowing him to focus on production rather than worrying about fuel supplies.
Similarly, bakery owner, Prince Efedoma Excellent, faced a steep battle with fuel costs in his bakery in Benin, Edo State. Lighting alone for his packaging process required running a 6.5kVA generator, costing him close to ₦600,000 every month. The relentless expenses drained him financially, and the uncertainty around fuel supplies weighed heavily on his operations. With Lumos, Prince found a way to shift his energy needs. Solar power now handles all his lighting, bringing his fuel costs down to just ₦558 per day, amounting to an extraordinary savings of over ₦550,000 a month. “Lumos transformed my business,” Prince says. “Now, I can focus on growing, not just surviving.”
Emeka Uzor, another barbershop owner, experienced a similar transformation. Before Lumos, he spent ₦73,600 monthly on fuel, powering everything from his clippers and fans to a CCTV system and television. The constant fuel expenses left him unable to invest in growing his business. With Lumos, his daily fuel costs dropped from ₦3,000 to just ₦625, allowing him to save ₦57,000 each month. "Lumos has made a huge difference," Emeka shares. "I no longer worry about fuel. The savings are incredible, and now I can focus on running my business instead of just keeping it powered."
For all these business owners, Lumos has reduced their operational costs and restored a sense of stability and hope. Bright now serves his customers without the stress of frequent power cuts, and his family enjoys reliable energy at home. Kenneth can scale his water production business without the fear of fuel shortages, and Prince can invest in growing his bakery rather than sinking money into generator fuel. Emeka, too, has the freedom to reinvest his savings into his barbershop, all thanks to the affordable, clean power Lumos provides.
These entrepreneurs are more than just business owners, they are resilient individuals who have found a way to thrive despite Nigeria’s challenging energy landscape. Lumos has given them the opportunity to reclaim control over their power costs, allowing them to focus on growth, innovation, profitability and their families. By reducing their reliance on fuel and introducing solar energy into their operations, they are saving money at the same time as building more sustainable, stable futures.
Lumos has brought light into their businesses and has empowered them to take control of their financial destinies, improve their quality of life, and look forward to a future where power isn’t just about fuel but about new possibilities. With Lumos, Nigeria’s business owners are no longer defined by the challenges of fuel scarcity; instead, they are leading the way toward a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.