WorldStage– The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has expressed support for the partnership between NASENI and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate domestication and deployment of renewable energy equipment nationwide, strengthen local content development, expand electricity access, drive infrastructure growth and ensure value for money
BPP in a statement reaffirmed its mandate to regulate, monitor and build procurement capacity while ensuring accountability, transparency and value for money in public sector projects.
Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NASENI and REA described the partnership as action-oriented and results-driven, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate and the Nigeria First Policy aimed at boosting local production and reducing import dependence.
He said the agreement would serve as a strategic buffer against global supply chain disruptions, helping Nigeria strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and sustain critical energy infrastructure during external shocks.
“It is exciting to have you both. You are action people, and together, we are transforming the sectors we operate in. The president gave us a mandate, and he expects results.”
Adedokun said the Nigeria First Policy had already helped stabilise the oil sector during recent international conflicts and was now being applied to strengthen the renewable energy industry.
“Just as Nigeria First protected our oil industry in turbulent times, we are now applying the same principle to energy. By domesticating solar manufacturing and mini-grid production, we ensure resilience.”
The BPP boss commended NASENI’s engineering innovations, particularly its one-megawatt mini-grid solution, which he said could be deployed across the country’s 774 local government areas to improve electricity access.
He urged stakeholders to visit NASENI’s industrial parks to witness technological advancements and called for expanded production capacity to meet growing national demand for renewable energy solutions.
According to Adedokun, collaboration among NASENI, REA and BPP would improve efficiency in the power sector and ensure procurement approvals translate into tangible infrastructure and service delivery.
He said BPP would strengthen procurement oversight by withholding “No Objection” approvals until performance reports were submitted, adding that sanctions would apply for non-compliance with procurement regulations.
Adedokun added that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria would monitor product quality and issue necessary licences to ensure renewable energy equipment met required national standards.
Mr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, said the collaboration would support the emergence of a complete renewable energy manufacturing industry in Nigeria.
Aliyu said that Nigeria remained among countries with large populations lacking electricity access, adding that renewable energy, particularly solar power, offered the most viable solution to bridging gaps.
He disclosed that President Tinubu approved a 750 million dollar renewable energy programme expected to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through 1,350 mini-grids, including interconnected systems.
According to him, implementation is already underway in Jikwoyi, Orozo, Dei-Dei and other locations as part of efforts to expand electricity access and stimulate economic development nationwide.
Aliyu expressed concern over Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar components, noting that the country spent more than 400 million dollars on photovoltaic panel imports in 2025 alone.
“That is why we quickly leveraged the Nigeria First Policy to domesticate implementation. Our first MoU was with NASENI to leverage their technology and innovation,” he said.
He said local solar manufacturing capacity had increased from less than 160 megawatts before the current administration to more than 500 megawatts, with projects exceeding 3.7 gigawatts planned.
Aliyu added that photovoltaic panels manufactured in Ikorodu were already being exported to other African countries, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing sector.
Also speaking, NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khalil Halilu, welcomed the partnership and pledged to expand production capacity to meet increasing demand nationwide.
“We love challenges. REA has certified the quality; in fact, they called it one of the best. Our job is simple now: take orders, deliver and expand capacity.”
Halilu said NASENI remained committed to converting research outputs into commercially viable products, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, boosting exports and supporting Nigeria’s industrial development goals.
