Defeating Lagos’s greatest adversary with second-hand solar panels

As remote work continues to blur the boundaries between personal and professional life, individuals around the world are struggling to disconnect from the demands of work. The toll of these mental and physical stresses is a primary reason why many are hesitant to transition from traditional 9-5 jobs.

In Lagos, that sensation of being overwhelmed can be attributed to the city’s tumultuous character, which manifests in different forms – ranging from poor network coverage and noise pollution to incessant traffic. However, the most daunting foe they face is the unpredictable power supply.
It is possible to mitigate noise pollution by using headphones, and individuals can opt for different internet service providers to address poor network coverage. On the contrary, the problem of unstable electricity cannot be resolved without considering alternative energy sources

We spoke with Uche, a software engineer working for an American tech company. He explained that corruption in Nigeria prevents the government from intervening in electrical distribution issues. This leaves individuals to fend for themselves.

At the beginning of his career, Uche assumed that working from home would save him time navigating the chaotic Lagos traffic. However, he soon realised he couldn’t rely on the national electrical supply, and his job was at stake.

He says, “It is a miracle to land an international remote job in tech these days. The market is saturated with talents looking to achieve the same goals as you. So, you can’t afford to take chances.”

Uche acquired a workspace at a workstation kilometers away from his home. This workspace came with various benefits, such as an uninterrupted power supply, unlimited internet access, coffee, and the opportunity to work alongside other professionals. However, this new arrangement revealed a new set of challenges.

Before using the workstation, he was immune to the restrictions caused by flooding during the rainy season – a common disaster in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. He didn’t have to leave his home often, and his estate was not prone to flooding. Whes he started using the workstation more frequently, all that changed.

Due to the distance between his home and the workstation, he had to commute every day. When floods occur in Lagos, commuting becomes challenging, with traffic congestion, messy roads, and power outages. This can be a nightmare for people dealing with deadlines or job interviews.

So, Uche’s reality was a challenging one: struggling through the night without power, dealing with gadgets with dead batteries, spending hours in traffic before even beginning his work for the day, and wading through murky waters just to access the bus station.

Despite these obstacles, he had no excuse for delivering a badly done job. Employers expect their workers to enhance their business, not hinder it. If Uche failed to deliver, there were thousands of other qualified professionals ready to take his place.

Amidst it all, Uche remained steadfast at his workstation, determined to carry on until the final straw broke his resilience: police harassment.

Sadly, police brutality has become an all-too-familiar issue in many countries, including the United States and Nigeria. In fact, reports of this disturbing trend have been rampant in Nigeria, with millions of young people taking to the streets in 2020 to protest the senseless killing and robbery perpetrated by a notorious branch of the Nigerian police known as SARS.

For years, these brave activists persevered until they finally found their voice and demanded an end to the atrocities. Despite their efforts, however, Uche’s recent experience suggests that their message has not been fully heard or heeded.

As Uche explains, the simple act of carrying his laptop with him outside was fraught with danger, as he faced the constant risk of being extorted, harassed, or delayed by corrupt police officers.

“There is nothing you can do other than go into hiding once you see a police van. You know you’re not a criminal; however, to a corrupt policeman, a young person with a laptop is perceived as a potential threat to society.”

It was clear that a more permanent solution was needed, as he had already suffered through countless encounters with the police.

Eventually, Uche found a solution to his problem: he bought a solar system with an inverter and two batteries. To save costs, he even opted for a second-hand panel, which he was able to obtain from an acquaintance who was relocating abroad and needed to get rid of some belongings.

The installation process only took three days, and during that time, Uche learned that solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years. The panels he bought had only been used for five years, which means he can enjoy uninterrupted electricity for the next two decades before needing to replace them.

As a result of this investment, he no longer has to spend hours in traffic or break the bank to find a workspace. Moreover, the likelihood of being harassed by police officers has decreased significantly, and he no longer has to worry about missing deadlines due to power outages. In short, Uche’s quality of life has improved dramatically since the installation of the solar system.

According to Uche, Nigerians are renowned for their industriousness and perseverance. “Nigerians are hardworking and resilient,” he says with conviction. “They will go above and beyond to get the job done, no matter what challenges they may face along the way.”

This admirable trait is one of the primary reasons why many international companies are eager to hire Nigerian talent, he notes. However, Uche believes that the low standard of living in Nigeria can often hinder the brilliance of these hardworking individuals and send the wrong message to prospective employers and recruiters. “But just imagine a world with a reliable power supply for everybody” he muses. “The possibilities would be endless!”