Nigeria has set an ambitious target of moving 20% of the country's electricity users to renewable energy sources by 2012.

Renewable energy presently comprises less than 1% of Nigeria's energy mix. According to Victor Fodeke, head of the Nigeria Special Climate Change Unit the new target was set to improve the country’s "awful" energy situation.

He said that the mass use of solar, wind and hydro energy plants has been identified to achieve the target. Investment in bio-mass for energy generation will also be encouraged.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has partnered with Africa Asia Global Services Ltd for the project. It is also part of Lagos State's public private partnership strategy.

According to Olubunmi Ogundare, CEO of Africa Asia Global Services, the project is wholly private funded and should take-off within the next two weeks.

The company will also utilise solar power to light-up highways, bridges, streets and junctions in Lagos.