NASENI, REA Move to Boost Use of Nigerian-made Solar Products

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a new agreement aimed at increasing the use of locally made renewable energy products in Nigeria.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Abuja as part of efforts to support the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which promotes the use of goods and services produced within the country.

Under the agreement, REA will source solar equipment from NASENI for some of its electrification projects. The move is expected to create more opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers and reduce the country’s dependence on imported renewable energy products.

Local products to play bigger role

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the agency is working to ensure that research and innovation lead to products that can be used by Nigerians.

He said NASENI plans to increase the production of renewable energy equipment, including solar panels and solar-powered streetlights, through its subsidiary, NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE.

The agency, he maintained, wants to reduce the need for imported renewable energy technologies by supporting local production and developing homegrown solutions.

Halilu added that NASENI is prepared to meet the renewable energy equipment needs of REA as both agencies deepen their collaboration.

Partnership targets wider electricity access

REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the agreement as an important step toward building a stronger renewable energy industry in Nigeria.

He said NASENI would provide manufacturing and technological support, while REA would focus on deploying the solutions to communities that need electricity, especially in rural areas.

The agreement will be carried out through NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE and REA’s limited liability company, RAMco.

As part of the arrangement, REA will purchase products such as photovoltaic solar modules, inverters and energy storage batteries from NASENI, either directly or through approved distributors and manufacturing partners.

REA will also help create opportunities for NASENI to participate in electrification projects and engage with developers and contractors involved in REA programmes.

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Abraham Adedokun, who facilitated the signing, said the Nigeria First Policy is designed to strengthen local content, improve value for public spending and promote accountability.

He maintained that the implementation of the agreement would be closely monitored to ensure compliance and measurable results.