NPSSI: MD Rural Electrification Agency, CDS Musa Brainstorm on Solarization Of Military Formations

"Our goal is to cut energy costs, improve reliability, and advance Nigeria’s clean energy transition." Abba Abubakar Aliyu

Abuja- A project initiation and planning meeting between the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has held at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja. 

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, the REA helmsman, 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),” Dr. Aliyu stated. “Our goal is to cut energy costs, improve reliability, and advance Nigeria’s clean energy transition.” 

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,” the CDS remarked. “I will set up a military team to work closely with the REA to identify priority locations and develop a clear implementation plan.”

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.