The top echelon of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the nation’s Armed Forces have met in respect of deepening collaboration on implementation of the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI).
This forms the high point of the REA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, who held a project initiation and planning meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) and explore potential collaboration between the REA and the Nigerian Armed Forces in the deployment of solar power to Military formations.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Aliyu explained that “the NPSSI is a Federal Government–approved programme with an initial funding of ₦100 billion, designed to replace diesel generators in public institutions with sustainable solar power systems. Target beneficiaries include schools, hospitals, government offices, and other critical facilities”.
“The NPSSI is a collaborative effort led by the REA in partnership with the Budget Office of the Federation, Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
“Our goal is to cut energy costs, improve reliability, and advance Nigeria’s clean energy transition”, Dr. Aliyu stated.
Highlighting the relevance to the Armed Forces, Dr. Aliyu noted that “several military formations had already expressed interest in solar interventions. REA therefore emphasized the importance of adopting a unified and strategic approach to ensure widespread benefits across the military formations”, hence the visit to the Chief of Defense Staff.
He further explained that “for military formations to participate, an MOU with the military leadership would be required, stressing that the initiative is a pay-for-service model to ensure long-term sustainability. Similar agreements have already been signed with the Police Trust Fund, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service”.
In response, General Musa welcomed the proposal and expressed appreciation for the REA’s outreach.
“This is a timely and much-needed intervention. Several critical formations are in dire need of reliable power supply.
“I will set up a military team to work closely with the REA to identify priority locations and develop a clear implementation plan”, the CDS remarked
Both parties also discussed leveraging the Nigerian Army Engineers and Logistics Unit to support deployment, installation, and maintenance of the solar systems. This proposal will be further reviewed by a joint REA–Military Solar Committee to be established following the meeting.
The visit underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, as well as the REA’s drive to expand renewable energy access to critical public infrastructure across Nigeria.
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