The Rural Electrification Agency and the Nigerian Armed Forces are set to partner on the deployment of solar power systems to military formations nationwide under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative.

This followed a project initiation and planning meeting between the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Aliyu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative 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, Aliyu said the NPSSI was a Federal Government–approved programme with initial funding of N100bn aimed at replacing diesel generators in public institutions with sustainable solar systems.

He said, “The NPSSI is a Federal Government–approved programme with an initial funding of N100bn, 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, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. Our goal is to cut energy costs, improve reliability, and advance Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

Highlighting the relevance to the Armed Forces, Aliyu noted that “several military formations had already expressed interest in solar interventions. REA therefore emphasised the importance of adopting a unified and strategic approach to ensure widespread benefits across the military formations.”

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, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.”

In response, 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 a 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’s Engineers and Logistics Unit to support the 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.