Nigeria First Policy Gains Momentum as NASENI, REA Seal Renewable Energy Partnership

By Pan Afric Reporters

In a major boost to Nigeria’s drive for energy independence and local industrial development, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the deployment of locally manufactured renewable energy technologies across the country.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Friday, is expected to accelerate the implementation of the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy” by strengthening local manufacturing, reducing dependence on imported renewable energy technologies, and expanding access to electricity, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

The development was disclosed in a press release issued by NASENI and signed by Mr. Olusegun Ayeoynikan, Director of Information, NASENI, following the signing ceremony facilitated by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Abraham Adedokun, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the agency remains committed to transforming research outputs into commercially viable products capable of driving national development.

According to him, the partnership represents a strategic step toward building a self-reliant renewable energy sector anchored on indigenous technology and local production.

“NASENI would scale up renewable energy production, including solar panels and streetlights, through initiatives such as DefFrontier, to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce import dependence,” Halilu stated.

He added that the agency possesses the capacity to meet the renewable energy needs of the Rural Electrification Agency while supporting the Federal Government’s agenda of boosting local content.

“Instead of continuous importation of technologies, machines and equipment for producing renewable energy solutions, NASENI, through this MoU, will be committed to local manufacturing and domestication of renewable energy technologies to increase the nation’s off-grid energy solutions,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the agreement as a landmark partnership that would strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem.

He explained that the collaboration would combine NASENI’s manufacturing and technological expertise with REA’s deployment capacity to deliver sustainable electricity solutions to communities lacking access to power.

“While NASENI provides the manufacturing and technological capacity for renewable equipment, REA will focus on deploying solutions to expand electricity across rural areas,” Aliyu said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Abraham Adedokun, said the partnership exemplifies the objectives of the Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises local content development, value for money and accountability in public procurement.

According to him, the implementation of the agreement will be closely monitored to ensure measurable results and full compliance with government policies.

“The Nigeria First Policy, exemplified by this agreement, is aimed at strengthening local content, ensuring value for money, and promoting accountability in public procurement,” Adedokun said.

He further noted that the MoU would deepen cooperation between both agencies in expanding renewable energy infrastructure and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported technologies.

Under the agreement, the partnership will be implemented through NASENI DevFrontier Green Energy FZE, a subsidiary of NASENI, and RAMco, the limited liability company of REA.

The arrangement provides for REA to procure photovoltaic (PV) modules, inverters and energy storage batteries produced by NASENI-DevFrontier Green Energy FZE either directly or through approved distributors, assembly plants and manufacturing partners.

Additionally, REA is expected to provide institutional support that will enable NASENI to participate in electrification projects, facilitate engagement opportunities with project developers and contractors under REA programmes, and promote the adoption of standardised, high-quality solar technologies nationwide.

Industry stakeholders have described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to develop a robust renewable energy value chain, create jobs, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and accelerate universal access to clean energy.

The agreement is also expected to contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve sustainable energy access while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for renewable energy technology production.