By Abdullahi Lukman
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Mente Energy Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Renewable Energy Localisation and Industrialisation Programme (RELIP), a new initiative aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s renewable energy market to attract investment, create skilled jobs and develop a local clean-energy manufacturing base.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, sets out a five-year framework for collaboration, with RELIP as its first priority.
The initial phase is expected to run for about six months and will focus on establishing the commercial, analytical and institutional groundwork needed to support future investment and capital mobilisation.
Speaking at the event, REA’s managing director, Abba Aliyu, said that while Nigeria has made progress in decentralised renewable energy, much of the economic benefit has flowed the country.
He explained that the programme seeks to reverse this trend by organising domestic demand and strengthening systems that support local manufacturing, ultimately driving investment, job creation and industrial growth within Nigeria.
Mente Energy’s founder, Tolu Osekita, described Nigeria’s renewable energy sector as a major industrial opportunity.
He noted that RELIP is designed to provide structure and confidence for investors, enabling larger-scale participation while prioritising economic benefits such as factories, employment and local industry development.
Both organisations said the initiative will prioritise partnerships with local and international stakeholders committed to building a sustainable, Nigeria-focused clean energy industry.
