- NEMSA and REAN have partnered to tighten safety standards and technical compliance in Nigeria’s fast-growing renewable energy sector.
- The collaboration will introduce new installation guidelines, training programmes, and stricter certification requirements to curb substandard solar and off-grid systems.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) have launched a strategic collaboration to strengthen safety, standardisation, and quality assurance in renewable energy installations nationwide.
Regulators have raised concerns as solar home systems, mini-grids, and other distributed energy solutions spread across homes, businesses, and rural communities. They warn that substandard installations and uncertified technicians are increasing across the sector.
Ayo Ademilua led a REAN delegation to formalise the partnership during a visit to NEMSA headquarters in Abuja. Olusegun Adesayo received the delegation alongside his management team.
In a statement issued by NEMSA’s Public Affairs Unit, Ademilua said the collaboration will enforce strict compliance with technical standards and ensure renewable energy deployment meets global safety and quality benchmarks. He noted that REAN represents more than 300 stakeholders across the value chain, including developers, manufacturers, service providers, and researchers. He added that the association will align local and international standards as the industry grows.
Furthermore, Ademilua said, “The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria recognises the importance of safety, quality assurance, and technical standards in sustaining sector growth. We will work with regulators to ensure installations follow established standards and best practices.”
He added that the partnership will help both organisations identify, develop, and implement standards while strengthening enforcement mechanisms nationwide.
The collaboration will also produce a Renewable Energy Construction and Installation Guideline Manual. This manual will provide a unified framework for designing, installing, and maintaining renewable energy systems. Stakeholders will review it regularly to reflect new technologies and trends.
Meanwhile, Ademilua said the guideline will promote uniformity, improve regulatory compliance, and reduce substandard installations that threaten safety, reliability, and consumer confidence.
The partnership will also prioritise capacity building. Both organisations will run training programmes, technical workshops, and professional development initiatives to improve the skills of installers, engineers, and technicians.
Ademilua said, “We must ensure professionals in the sector receive proper training and certification. Through structured training and knowledge sharing, we will strengthen capacity and enforce compliance with technical standards.”
He added that both organisations will coordinate regulations to ensure only certified professionals handle renewable energy installations. He said this step will protect consumers, improve safety, and support long-term investment in the sector.
Adesayo reaffirmed NEMSA’s mandate to enforce technical standards and ensure safe electrical installations nationwide. He said collaboration with industry stakeholders remains critical as Nigeria expands its renewable energy footprint.
Adesayo said, “NEMSA will continue to enforce safety requirements across all electrical installations. As renewable energy deployment accelerates, we must work closely with REAN to maintain high safety and quality standards.”
He added that NEMSA will continue to engage developers, installers, and investors to ensure projects comply with national regulations. He also said the partnership will support public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on using certified professionals and approved equipment.
Adesayo said, “Consumers must understand the importance of certified installations. This will improve safety, reliability, and the lifespan of renewable energy systems across homes and businesses.”
Both organisations also pledged to collaborate on research, innovation, and emerging technologies, including electric mobility and other sustainable energy solutions.
Nigeria currently has over 13,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity, but the grid delivers only 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts. This gap has pushed millions of households and businesses to adopt alternative energy sources.
As a result, solar power adoption continues to grow rapidly, especially in off-grid communities and commercial centres where unreliable electricity supply persists.
Stakeholders warn that poor regulation and weak standardisation could increase safety risks and reduce public confidence in renewable energy systems.
The NEMSA-REAN partnership will strengthen regulatory oversight, improve technical capacity, and ensure Nigeria builds its clean energy transition on safe and reliable infrastructure.