A new Nigerian startup, PadiPlug, has officially launched a service aimed at addressing one of the most common daily frustrations in the country: keeping mobile phones charged amid frequent power outages.

In Nigeria, where electricity supply remains unreliable and smartphones are essential tools for communication, work, digital payments, and navigation, battery failure often disrupts daily life. PadiPlug seeks to solve this by deploying a network of portable power bank rental stations that allow users to charge their phones on the go and return the power banks after use.

Speaking on the launch, PadiPlug founder, Increase Isesele, explained the motivation behind the venture. “People have adjusted their lives around unreliable power instead of having systems that work for them,” he said. “PadiPlug is designed to remove that friction and keep people connected when they need it. Everyone deserves to live without the stress of dead batteries.”

Co-founder Osuagwu Franklin added, “Our goal is simple: to make charging your phone as easy as picking up a bottle of water. We want Nigerians to feel empowered and connected, whether they are commuting, at work, or running errands.”

PadiPlug combines physical charging infrastructure with a mobile platform that manages access and payments. Users can access the service through the PadiPlug app, preload a small wallet balance, and rent power banks at affordable hourly rates.

“This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about productivity and peace of mind,” Isesele said. “With PadiPlug, students can study, workers can attend virtual meetings, and everyone can stay in touch with family and friends, no matter where they are.”

Franklin emphasized the company’s vision for scale. “We designed PadiPlug to be flexible and grow with the needs of Nigerians. Our network of stations can expand quickly, and the app ensures that renting and returning power banks is seamless for everyone.”

The startup’s co-founders hope that as the service grows, it will reduce missed calls, interrupted plans, and the anxiety of dead phone batteries, making it an essential part of everyday life in Nigeria.

“By solving a problem millions face every day, we’re creating a service that’s practical, affordable, and empowering,” Isesele said. “PadiPlug is more than just charging—it’s about keeping people connected to what matters most.”