President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which prioritizes the consumption and procurement of locally-produced goods and services, has garnered significant praise from various sectors, particularly from indigenous manufacturing companies like MOJEC International. Mrs. Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of MOJEC, a leading meter manufacturing company, lauded the policy as a visionary step towards achieving Nigeria’s industrial renaissance and economic independence. Abdul emphasized that the policy resonates deeply with MOJEC’s long-held belief in prioritizing local content and capacity building, encapsulated in their motto, “Africa, and by extension, Nigeria, must begin to produce what it consumes.” This philosophy has guided MOJEC’s operations and investments within the Nigerian power sector for over two decades, contributing significantly to the nation’s metering infrastructure.
MOJEC’s substantial contributions to the Nigerian power sector underscore the potential of local manufacturers to drive national development. The company’s track record reveals extensive involvement in various government initiatives, including the deployment of over 600,000 meters before the power sector’s privatization. Furthermore, MOJEC played a lead role in deploying and financing over 1 million meters during the CAPMI and Vendor Financing schemes between 2013 and 2018. Continuing this momentum, MOJEC has supplied over 1.2 million meters under the NMMP Phase 0 and MAP Phases I & II, partnering with various Distribution Companies (DisCos) across several states. These initiatives demonstrate MOJEC’s commitment to bridging the metering gap and enhancing the efficiency of the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
MOJEC’s pioneering role extends to advanced metering infrastructure and meter data management systems. The company has deployed over 3 million smart NMD meters and over 200,000 MD smart meters nationwide, representing a significant portion of the total meters deployed within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). This technological advancement highlights MOJEC’s commitment to modernizing the power sector and improving service delivery to consumers. These achievements solidify MOJEC’s position as a reliable and trusted partner for the government in its efforts to transform the power sector. The “Nigeria First Policy” is expected to further empower companies like MOJEC to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation.
The company’s commitment to local content extends beyond meter manufacturing. MOJEC operates a state-of-the-art plastic manufacturing subsidiary, one of the largest in Nigeria, with a capacity to produce up to 2 million meter boxes annually. This backward integration strategy not only reduces dependence on imported components but also strengthens the local supply chain and creates additional employment opportunities. Furthermore, MOJEC, through its renewable energy subsidiary, Virtuitis Solaris (VSolaris), is actively involved in extending access to clean and affordable power to rural and off-grid communities. This diversification showcases MOJEC’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its efforts to contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally responsible energy landscape.
One of VSolaris’s flagship projects is the commissioning of an 880kWp Solar Hybrid Isolated Mini-grid, which will provide electricity to seven communities in Plateau State. This initiative, executed under the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Nigeria Electrification Project, signifies a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy access for underserved communities. Ayodeji Oladeji, General Manager of VSolaris, emphasized that the project will not only provide power but will also unlock economic and social opportunities for businesses, schools, and healthcare systems in these communities, fostering development and improving the quality of life. This project aligns perfectly with the “Nigeria First Policy” by utilizing local expertise and resources to address a critical national challenge.
The “Nigeria First Policy” has been welcomed as a vital step towards self-reliance, technological advancement, and inclusive development. MOJEC’s success story exemplifies the potential of Nigerian companies to thrive when supported by enabling government policies. By prioritizing local content, the policy encourages industrial growth, job creation, and improved access to essential services like electricity. MOJEC continues to expand its impact across both urban and rural communities, embodying the spirit of the policy, which aims to empower Nigerian companies to provide solutions for Nigerians, by Nigerians. The policy, therefore, serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate and build a more resilient and prosperous Nigerian economy.
