As part of moves to strengthen local content, improve energy access, drive infrastructural development and ensure Value for Money, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has midwifed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to accelerate the domestication and deployment of renewable energy equipment across Nigeria.
The signing ceremony, held at the BPP office in Abuja, brought together key actors in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure and procurement reform space to formalise collaboration aimed at reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and powering national development priorities.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, described the partnership as one driven by action and results, in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“It is exciting to have you both. You are action people, and together, we are transforming the sectors we operate in,” he said. “The President gave us a mandate, and he expects results. We are in these sectors, where Nigerians are urgently calling for improvement.”
He linked the MOU directly to the Nigeria First Policy, describing it as a strategic buffer against global supply chain disruptions. He noted that the policy had already stabilised the oil sector during recent international conflicts by prioritising local capacity. “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 that Nigerians are not left in darkness when global markets shake,” he added.
Dr. Adedokun commended NASENI’s engineering breakthroughs, revealing that the agency has developed a 1-megawatt mini-grid solution that can be deployed seamlessly across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. He challenged NASENI to scale up production immediately and urged stakeholders to tour its industrial parks. “I’ve seen their engineering advancements up close, and what NASENI is producing is impressive. I encourage everyone here to witness the transformation for yourselves.”
He also stressed that the collaboration between NASENI, REA, and BPP is vital to improving efficiency in the power sector and ensuring that procurement approvals move beyond paperwork to deliver actual infrastructure on the ground. The DG announced that BPP will withhold “No Objection” approvals until performance reports are submitted, and that sanctions, including administrative and criminal penalties and debarment, will apply for non-compliance. He added that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will monitor products and issue quality licenses, and invited the media to join independent field verification.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the partnership is about building a full renewable energy manufacturing industry in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria has the highest number of people without electricity, and that distributed renewable resources, especially solar, are the most efficient and viable solution.
Engr. Aliyu disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the largest publicly funded renewable energy programme in the world: $`750 million to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians through 1,350 mini-grids, 250 of which will be interconnected. He cited ongoing deployments in Jikwoyi 1 & 2, Orozo, Deidei, and other areas.
He highlighted the economic impact of imports, stating that as of 2025, Nigeria spent over `$400 billion importing PV panels, and over $200 billion this year 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 noted that before this administration, total manufacturing capacity was less than 160MW. Today, it exceeds 500MW with a pipeline of over 3.7GW from Lagos-Shagamu, Tranos, TriCell, AfriCell, and Fission Energy. ‘Made in Nigeria’ PV panels from Ikorodu are now being exported to other African countries.
NASENI’s EVC/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, welcomed the collaboration and accepted the challenge. “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 so every local government can get it.” He added that NASENI’s mission is to ensure research leads to products, products lead to commercialisation, and to reduce Nigeria’s import bill, create jobs, and export for hard currency.
Following the remarks, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu and Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu signed the MOU, formalising the tripartite commitment to domesticate renewable energy manufacturing, reduce foreign exchange outflow, create jobs, and expand energy access in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Bureau of Public Procurement reaffirmed its mandate under the Public Procurement Act, 2007, to regulate, monitor and build capacity for public procurement, ensuring that every Naira spent delivers maximum value for all Nigerians.
e-Signed:
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP)
23rd June, 2026
