Introduction
Global leader in energy management and industrial automation, Schneider Electric, has inaugurated its new office headquarters in Aromire, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. This strategic development underlines Schneider Electric’s dedication to bolstering Africa's economic growth by providing sustainable energy solutions that empower individuals, communities, and industries.
A Strategic Hub for West Africa
The newly established facility in Lagos serves as a central hub for Schneider Electric’s operations in Nigeria and the broader West African market. The office's strategic location underscores Schneider Electric's commitment to deepening its footprint in the region, facilitating closer collaboration with local partners, and driving economic advancement through innovative solutions.
Key Figures and Attendees
The launch event was graced by notable personalities, including Ajibola Akindele MFR, Country President of Schneider Electric West Africa; 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. Partners, media representatives, and other stakeholders were also in attendance, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the company and the region.
Commitment to Economic Growth and Job Creation
Speaking at the launch, Ajibola Akindele MFR, Country President of Schneider Electric West Africa, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation through strategic local partnerships. “At Schneider Electric, we are dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering job creation across Nigeria and West Africa. Over the past 19 years at our previous location on Tunde Gafar Street, we have expanded from 40 to 250 employees, supporting critical sectors such as power, oil and gas, food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, and the building segment. This new facility will not only service countries across West Africa but also showcase our capabilities, innovation, and problem-solving expertise.”
Supporting Local Capacity Building
Akindele highlighted Schneider Electric’s extensive network of over 300 partners in Nigeria, including distributors, retailers, contractors, system integrators, and panel builders. “Building local capacity to support customers is central to our partnership strategy. Through our partners, we indirectly create over 3,000 jobs in Nigeria, contributing to Schneider Electric’s global network of over 6 million partners. We believe in the potential of the Nigerian and African market and are committed to investing in local talent and market-specific solutions,” he added.
Recognition and Support from France
Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Nigeria, congratulated Schneider Electric on this significant achievement. “Congratulations to the Schneider team for reaching this important milestone. France is dedicated to supporting your efforts here in Nigeria. Together, we aim to enhance and promote French interests in the region,” Favier stated, reaffirming the strong ties between Schneider Electric and the French government.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
Walid Sheta, Zone President of Schneider Electric Middle East and Africa, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability, which is deeply embedded in its global operations. “Time Magazine named Schneider Electric the most sustainable company in the world, and we are committed to maintaining that standard in Nigeria. Sustainability is closely tied to development and energy access, which remains a significant challenge in Africa. We believe that sustainable economic development will emerge in Africa. To achieve this, we must invest in our talents to develop products, solutions, and software to deploy them across vast territories like Nigeria,” Sheta explained.
Driving Towards Net-Zero Operations
Sheta also emphasized Schneider Electric's dedication to achieving net-zero operations. “We are also committed to ensuring that our distribution centers, factories, hotels, and hospitals meet net-zero standards in real estate. More importantly, what we provide to our customers is electrification and digitization, which integrate sustainability into our operations,” he noted.
A Unified Vision for the Future
Devan Pillay, President of Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa Cluster, highlighted the importance of Schneider Electric’s unified headquarters in Lagos. “As a company operating in two primary areas—electrical distribution and industrial automation—it is essential 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 Electric’s commitment to fostering a progressive workplace environment that encourages teamwork and innovation,” Pillay concluded.
