The Media Trust Group, the publisher behind Daily Trust, Trust TV and Trust Radio, announced a solar power bid on Tuesday, inviting qualified contractors to design, supply and install a hybrid solar PV system at its headquarters in Utako, Abuja. The invitation, issued through a formal tender notice, outlines a project that will deliver a total connected load of 375 kW and a photovoltaic capacity of 590 kWp, integrating battery storage and smart grid controls. Bidders must meet a series of technical and financial requirements and submit their proposals by 12 p.m. on 10 November 2026.
The tender details a comprehensive scope that goes beyond merely placing panels on a roof. Contractors are expected to provide structural mounting, either on the roof or the ground, premium tier‑1 solar modules, industrial‑grade inverters and an intelligent battery energy storage system (BESS). The design must also incorporate an automated energy management platform that can coordinate with the existing grid supplied by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as well as the site’s diesel generators. Additional elements such as earthing, lightning protection and, where necessary, reinforcement of the building’s structure are also part of the package.
To qualify, firms must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and hold current tax clearance certificates for the three most recent years, 2023, 2024 and 2025. They must also demonstrate registration with professional bodies such as NEMSA or COREN, and provide audited financial statements covering the same three‑year period. The tender specifies that bidders must prove experience on at least three commercial or industrial solar projects of 300 kWp or more that were completed in Nigeria within the last five years. Documentation of those projects, including award letters and completion certificates, must be included with the technical proposal.
The submission process is strictly electronic. Prospective contractors are instructed to email both a technical bid and a financial bid to the address listed in the notice, clearly marking each document as “Technical Bid: Media Trust Solar Project” and “Financial Bid: Media Trust Solar Project.” Both bids are to be addressed to the Chairman of the Purchase and Disposal Committee of Media Trust Group. After the bid documents are received, the group will issue a notification email containing account details for a non‑refundable tender fee of ₦100,000, which must be paid within two days of the notification. Late submissions or failure to pay the fee will result in automatic disqualification.
A mandatory pre‑bid site inspection and clarification meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on 3 November 2026 at the Utako site. Participants will have the opportunity to assess the building’s roof condition, verify space for the battery storage units and ask any technical questions before finalising their proposals. The group emphasizes that it reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and it is not bound to choose the lowest offer. Likewise, Media Trust will not cover any costs incurred by bidders in preparing their submissions.
While the tender notice is primarily a procurement document, it signals a broader shift in how Nigerian media organisations are addressing energy reliability and cost. Power outages and fluctuating grid supply have long plagued commercial enterprises in the capital, prompting many to explore renewable alternatives. By opting for a hybrid system that can store excess solar energy, Media Trust aims to reduce dependence on diesel generators, cut operating expenses and lower its carbon footprint. The inclusion of an intelligent energy management system also points to a desire for real‑time monitoring and optimisation, capabilities that are increasingly common in modern commercial solar installations worldwide.
Industry observers note that the 590 kWp capacity is sizeable for a single office complex, indicating Media Trust’s ambition to meet most of its own electricity demand from solar. The project’s hybrid nature, linking solar, storage and the national grid, mirrors the direction of Nigeria’s renewable energy policy, which encourages integrated solutions to enhance grid stability. For contractors, the tender offers an opportunity to showcase expertise in high‑efficiency solar design and to secure a high‑profile client in the media sector. Successful completion could also serve as a reference for future bids in the public and private sectors, where demand for renewable energy projects is expected to grow.
Potential bidders are advised to review the technical specifications carefully, particularly the requirement for tier‑1 panels and industrial‑grade inverters, which are critical for achieving the projected performance. The tender also calls for a “smart integration” with existing infrastructure, meaning that proposals must detail how the new system will communicate with AEDC’s supply and the on‑site diesel generators. Given the non‑refundable fee and the strict timeline, firms are likely to conduct internal cost‑benefit analyses before committing resources to the bid.
The deadline of 12 p.m. on 10 November 2026 leaves a narrow window for interested parties to finalise their technical and financial packages, complete the mandatory site inspection and arrange payment of the tender fee. As the date approaches, the Purchase and Disposal Committee is expected to field queries from prospective bidders, and the final selection will probably be announced several weeks after the submission deadline, once all proposals have been evaluated against the stipulated criteria.
Media Trust’s move to source a large‑scale solar solution show the growing commercial appetite for renewable energy in Nigeria’s capital. The upcoming procurement process will not only determine which contractor secures the project but also set a benchmark for future renewable initiatives among large corporate entities in the country.
Comments