By Abubakar Mikailu, Lukman Isah and Sa’adatu Adamu
The Kaduna State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has intensified efforts to promote sustainable development, renewable energy adoption and women’s economic empowerment through a strategic engagement with SOSAI Renewable Energy and the Matan Arewan SOSAI Initiative.
The engagement took place during a courtesy visit by the Council to the organisation’s headquarters in Kaduna on June 10, 2026, as part of RMRDC’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support industrial development, local content promotion and socio-economic growth.
The RMRDC delegation, led by the Kaduna State Coordinator, Mr. Mutallab J. Shehu was received by the General Manager of SOSAI Renewable Energy, Ms. Safiya Aliyu, alongside the organisation’s Project Officer, Miss Blessing.
Speaking during the visit, Ms. Aliyu highlighted SOSAI Renewable Energy’s achievements since its establishment in 2004, noting that the organisation was founded to address poverty and promote rural development through innovative, market-based solutions that improve access to renewable energy and clean water.
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She also provided insights into the Matan Arewan SOSAI Initiative, a programme designed to empower women across Northern Nigeria through capacity building and entrepreneurship in renewable energy technologies.
According to her, the initiative equips women with practical skills in the production, installation, maintenance, marketing and utilisation of renewable energy products, thereby creating opportunities for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
She disclosed that the programme has positively impacted numerous women across Kaduna State and other parts of Northern Nigeria, contributing significantly to economic inclusion and community development.
In his remarks, the Kaduna State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr Mutallab J. Shehu, commended SOSAI Renewable Energy for its contributions to expanding access to clean energy and promoting women’s empowerment.
He reiterated the Council’s mandate of promoting value addition to raw materials, industrial development, technology commercialization and the utilisation of local resources to drive national economic growth.
Shehu identified several areas of potential collaboration between RMRDC and SOSAI, including joint capacity-building programmes for women entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, facilitation of locally sourced raw-material supply chains, promotion of technology transfer, and support for local manufacturing initiatives.
He further noted that RMRDC’s nationwide network of State Coordinating Offices could facilitate inter-state partnerships and enhance the dissemination of renewable energy technologies and best practices across the country.
According to him, stronger collaboration between the two organisations would support local content development, strengthen renewable energy value chains, and contribute to Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
As part of the visit, the RMRDC delegation toured SOSAI’s facilities and operational units, where they were exposed to various renewable energy technologies, training programmes and community-based interventions being implemented by the organisation.
The visit ended with both parties expressing their readiness to explore areas of mutual interest and develop strategic partnerships aimed at expanding renewable energy access, empowering women and supporting sustainable development.
Both parties described the engagement as a significant step towards strengthening institutional collaboration in the renewable energy sector while advancing women-led enterprise development and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
