The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the production and deployment of locally manufactured renewable energy technologies, a move expected to strengthen Nigeria’s energy transition and promote indigenous industrial growth.
The collaboration, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises local content, domestic manufacturing and value-driven public procurement. The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Abuja, with the Director-General of the bureau, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, facilitating the process.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the partnership represents a significant step towards building Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture renewable energy technologies locally. According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on imported equipment while improving access to clean and affordable electricity.
Halilu disclosed that NASENI, through its subsidiary, NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE, would increase the production of critical renewable energy components such as photovoltaic solar panels, inverters, batteries and solar-powered streetlights. He noted that strengthening local manufacturing would not only lower costs but also encourage technological innovation and industrial development within the country.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr.
Abba Aliyu, described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest to deepen its renewable energy ecosystem. He explained that while NASENI would provide the manufacturing expertise and technological infrastructure, REA would focus on deploying the products to rural and underserved communities where access to electricity remains limited.
According to Aliyu, the collaboration would help bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap and support ongoing efforts to provide sustainable power solutions to millions of Nigerians living outside the national grid. He added that the initiative would enhance energy security and improve socio-economic development in rural areas.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the partnership reflects the objectives of the Nigeria First Policy by encouraging local content development, promoting accountability and ensuring value for money in government procurement processes.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Rural Electrification Agency will procure photovoltaic modules, inverters and energy storage batteries produced by NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE, either directly or through approved distributors and manufacturing partners.
REA will also provide opportunities for NASENI to participate in various electrification projects and collaborate with developers and contractors engaged under the agency’s programmes.
In addition, both agencies will work together to promote standardisation and the adoption of high-quality solar technologies across the country. Stakeholders believe this will improve consumer confidence and encourage wider acceptance of renewable energy solutions.
Industry experts have welcomed the partnership, noting that it could significantly accelerate rural electrification efforts, stimulate local industries, create employment opportunities and reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported renewable energy equipment.
The initiative is also expected to support the Federal Government’s broader objectives of achieving universal electricity access, promoting clean energy adoption and positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Africa.
With millions of Nigerians still lacking access to reliable electricity, observers say the NASENI-REA collaboration could mark a turning point in the country’s drive towards sustainable energy development and industrial self-reliance.
