Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has reiterated its commitment to regulating, monitoring, and enhancing procurement capacity while ensuring accountability, transparency, and value for money in public sector projects. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, highlighted this initiative in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) at BPP’s headquarters.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agreement aims to foster the domestication and deployment of renewable energy equipment across the nation. It seeks to strengthen local content development, expand electricity access, drive infrastructure growth, and ensure value for money. Adedokun emphasized that the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate and the Nigeria First Policy, which focuses on boosting local production and reducing dependence on imports.
Adedokun described the partnership as a strategic initiative to serve as a buffer against global supply chain disruptions. By strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, Nigeria aims to sustain critical energy infrastructure during external shocks. He likened the application of the Nigeria First Policy in renewable energy to its success in stabilizing the oil sector during international conflicts.
Adedokun commended NASENI’s engineering innovations, particularly its one-megawatt mini-grid solution, which 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 the growing national demand for renewable energy solutions.
The collaboration between NASENI, REA, and BPP is expected to enhance efficiency in the power sector and ensure that procurement approvals translate into tangible infrastructure and service delivery. Adedokun stated that BPP would strengthen procurement oversight by withholding ‘No Objection’ approvals until performance reports were submitted, with sanctions for non-compliance with procurement regulations. He also noted that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria would monitor product quality and issue necessary licenses to ensure that renewable energy equipment meets national standards.
Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, highlighted the potential for a complete renewable energy manufacturing industry in Nigeria. He pointed out that Nigeria remains among countries with large populations lacking electricity access, with renewable energy, especially solar power, offering a viable solution. President Tinubu has approved a 750-million-dollar renewable energy program expected to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through 1,350 mini-grids.
Aliyu expressed concern over Nigeria’s reliance on imported solar components, noting that the country spent over 400 million dollars on photovoltaic panel imports in 2025 alone. He emphasized the importance of domesticating implementation under the Nigeria First Policy and noted that local solar manufacturing capacity had increased significantly. Projects exceeding 3.7 gigawatts are planned, and photovoltaic panels manufactured in Ikorodu are already being exported to other African countries.
Mr. Khalil Halilu, NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the partnership and pledged to expand production capacity to meet increasing demand. He reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to converting research outputs into commercially viable products, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, boosting exports, and supporting Nigeria’s industrial development goals.