To address the nation’s energy deficit, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, (NASENI) has given a push for early completion of its Renewable Energy Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State

The project occupying a 40-hectare park was designed as a multi-energy hub to curb capital flight, save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.

Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI Mr Suleiman Khalil said that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.

The NASENI boss who was represented by his Special Adviser on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad said “there will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing at the site park”

Engr Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager that “Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,”

Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.

The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development.

The park, he said is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.

“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.

On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.

The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system,

He stated that the Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa