The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate renewable energy deployment and promote the local production of solar technologies in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on Friday, aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises local manufacturing, technology transfer, and reduced dependence on imported products.
The signing ceremony was facilitated by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Abraham Adedokun, who described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening local content and ensuring value for money in public procurement.
NASENI to Expand Local Renewable Energy Production
Speaking after the signing, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the agency is committed to transforming research and innovation into commercially viable products that will drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
According to him, NASENI plans to significantly increase the production of locally manufactured renewable energy solutions, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and solar-powered streetlights through its subsidiary, NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE.
Halilu explained that the partnership will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported renewable energy equipment while creating jobs, boosting local industries, and expanding access to affordable clean energy across the country.
He added that NASENI is fully prepared to meet the renewable energy equipment needs of the Rural Electrification Agency as the country intensifies efforts to bridge its electricity access gap.
REA Targets Faster Rural Electrification
Managing Director and CEO of REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the agreement as a strategic collaboration that will strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem through local manufacturing and nationwide deployment.
He said while NASENI will provide the technological and manufacturing capacity, REA will leverage its nationwide electrification programmes to deploy the locally produced renewable energy solutions, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities.
Under the agreement, REA will facilitate NASENI’s participation in rural electrification projects, connect the agency with developers and contractors, and promote the adoption of high-quality, locally manufactured photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
Supporting the Nigeria First Policy
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adedokun, said the partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Nigeria First Policy by encouraging indigenous production, transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that the implementation of the agreement will be closely monitored through a performance-based framework to ensure measurable results and compliance with procurement standards.
Driving Nigeria’s Clean Energy Future
The MoU will be executed through NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE and REA’s Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCo), with REA expected to procure locally manufactured solar panels, energy storage batteries, and inverters either directly or through approved distributors and manufacturers.
Industry stakeholders believe the partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to clean energy, with the potential to expand rural electrification, stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and position Nigeria as a leading renewable energy hub in Africa.
The collaboration is also expected to support the country’s long-term energy security goals by reducing import dependence while making sustainable electricity more accessible to millions of Nigerians living in off-grid communities.
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