Solar Force Renewable Energy MD, Umezurike Bares His Mind on Renewable Energy Potential as Sokoto state signs MoU with REA to bring electricity to underserved communities
By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
The chief executive officer & managing director of Solar Force Renewable Energy, David (Dee) Umezurike with almost two (2) decade experience in the industry has bare his though on the important of Renewable Energy, calls for continued stakeholders roundtable discussion across states of the federation.
Umezurike who spoke to journalists at the sideline of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) state by state roundtable engagement with Sokoto State with a theme ” Catalyzing Investment in the Sokoto State Electricity Market, Advancing Distributed Energy for Productive Use, Local Enterprise, and Sustainable Growth” held Sept. 24, 2025 at Transcorp Hilton Abuja describes the roundtable as a strategic high-level roundtable which should continue across states of the federation.
The MD of the Nigeria’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction company with a focus on utility-scale solar and storage projects for a variety of commercial and utility-scale customers, Umezurike lamented that though Nigerians are hungry for power, yet, what comes from the national grid is not enough.
” Nigerians are hungry for power, what comes from the national grid is never be enough and it takes long time for that to happen”
He further argued that Renewable Energy is eco friendly with a shorter time frame for implementation and providing solutions.” Now with solar, it takes two to three months to implement a project, this is good , we can now empower our people in a shorter length of time.”
Umezurike who also described the engagement as a dream come true, advances an appeal for continuity while outlining designing, financing, technical man power, certification and regulations as some of the challenge in the industry. He however noted that designing and financing has to reasonable extend been handled, with bank literally chasing them with financing.
He expresses confidence in the quality standard of product, says gone are the days when products are brought in from abroad as indigenous products and better quality abounds in the market.
Solar Force Renewable Energy is an indigenous engineering, procurement, and construction company that is passionate about transforming the way we power our world. As a leading provider of solar energy solutions in that is committed to driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Statistics gathered from the engagement reveal that Sokoto has over 2,000 viable sites for off-grid electrification with the capacity to deliver more than 4,000 new connections and generate over 3,800 megawatts of clean, sustainable energy. This translates into reliable energy access for nearly 1.5 million individuals, best served through distributed renewable energy sources on a least-cost model.
The engagement according REA MD/CEO, Abba Aliyu is a direct outcome of the bold reforms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which have transformed the dynamics of Nigeria’s power sector.
“By empowering subnationals to drive their own electricity markets and manage the full value chain, states like Sokoto can now take ownership of their energy future. As the national coordinator for renewable and off-grid access, the REA is working hand in hand with states to institutionalise Local Government Electrification Committees, ensuring that no community is left behind.
“With the presence of over 50 RESCOs in the room, the opportunities in Sokoto are clear. If harnessed, the state could attract up to $769 million in private sector investment, generate 200,000 jobs, and contribute $18 billion to state GDP, which is a substantial step toward the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
“I must commend the unwavering dedication of the Sokoto State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmad Aliyu, whose commitment is evident in the establishment of the state’s electricity policy and law, budgetary allocations for electrification, and the active participation of the state’s top leadership—from the Secretary to the State Government, to Commissioners across Energy, Health, Budget, and Economic Planning.
“What we have witnessed with Sokoto today is more than a conversation; it is a model of partnership, vision, and action. Together, we aim to show that with collaboration, Nigeria can bridge its energy access deficit, empower communities, and transform opportunity into prosperity.
The Sokoto State team which was led by the State Deputy Gov.Alh. Idris Muhammad Gobir along side the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners across Energy, Health, Budget, and Economic Planning x-rayed renewable energy potential of Sokoto State and enabling environment provided by the State legislation to ensure ease of doing business in the state. adding that there is no insecurity in the state as peddled by some social media handlers.
