Govt Swaps Generators for Solar

The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Armed Forces to deploy solar power systems to military formations nationwide under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI).

The partnership was discussed during a project initiation and planning meeting between the Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting focused on aligning the NPSSI’s objectives with the energy needs of military installations and exploring a joint implementation strategy.

Aliyu explained that the NPSSI is a Federal Government approved programme with an initial funding of ₦100 billion. The initiative is designed to replace diesel generators in public institutions with sustainable, solar-powered systems. Beneficiaries will 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, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated,” Aliyu said. “Our aim is to reduce energy costs, improve reliability, and accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition.”

Highlighting its relevance to the Armed Forces, Aliyu noted that several military formations have already expressed interest in solar power interventions. He emphasised the need for a unified, strategic approach to ensure widespread adoption and long-term benefits across the military.

For participation, he said, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA and the military leadership would be required. The NPSSI will operate on a pay-for-service model, designed to guarantee sustainability. Aliyu added that similar agreements had already been signed with the Police Trust Fund, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Responding, General Musa welcomed the initiative and commended the REA’s outreach. “This is a timely and much-needed intervention. Several critical formations are in urgent need of a reliable power supply,” he said. Musa pledged to establish a dedicated military team to work with the REA in identifying priority locations and creating a clear implementation plan.

The meeting also explored the possibility of engaging the Nigerian Army’s Engineers and Logistics Unit to assist in deploying, installing, and maintaining the solar systems. This operational collaboration will be further developed by a joint REA Military Solar Committee to be formed following the discussions.

Both parties agreed that transitioning military formations from diesel generators to solar energy would significantly reduce fuel costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve operational efficiency in remote and off-grid areas.

The engagement reflects the Federal Government’s broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the REA’s mission to expand renewable energy access to critical public infrastructure. By prioritising military installations alongside other public institutions, the NPSSI aims to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly power to essential service providers across Nigeria.