Media Trust Group has announced a solar power project for its headquarters in Utako, Abuja, and is calling for bids from qualified solar contractors. The invitation, issued by the publishers of Daily Trust, Trust TV and Trust Radio, outlines a requirement for a hybrid solar‑PV system with a 590 kWp capacity and a total connected load of 375 kW. Interested firms must submit technical and financial proposals by 12 pm on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, following a mandatory site inspection scheduled for 10 am on 3 November.
The tender seeks a complete solution that includes engineering, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of a high‑efficiency solar array. The system will integrate tier‑1 photovoltaic panels, industrial‑grade inverters, an intelligent battery energy storage system (BESS) and smart controls that allow seamless interaction with the existing grid supplied by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as well as on‑site diesel generators. Additional elements such as roof or ground mounting structures, structural reinforcement where needed, comprehensive earthing, lightning protection and an automated energy‑management and monitoring platform are also part of the scope.
To qualify, bidders must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and hold a current tax clearance certificate for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Proof of registration with professional bodies such as NEMSA or COREN is required, together with evidence of at least three comparable commercial or industrial solar installations of 300 kWp or more completed in Nigeria within the last five years. The tender documents also call for audited financial statements for the past three years and a company profile that includes CVs of key technical staff, especially COREN‑registered engineers or certified solar installers.
Proposals are to be emailed to the address provided in the tender notice, clearly marked “Technical Bid: Media Trust Solar Project” and “Financial Bid: Media Trust Solar Project”. Each submission must be addressed to the Chairman of the Purchase and Disposal Committee of Media Trust Group. Upon receipt, the group will issue a notification email containing account details for a non‑refundable tender fee of ₦100,000, which bidders must pay within two days. Late submissions will be rejected outright.
The mandatory pre‑bid site inspection on 3 November will give potential contractors an opportunity to assess the rooftop and ground conditions at the Utako headquarters. Organisers have stressed that the inspection is essential for preparing accurate technical proposals, and any clarifications sought during the meeting will be incorporated into the final tender documents.
Media Trust Group has made clear that it reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and is not obligated to award the contract to the lowest bidder. The statement also notes that the group will not bear any costs incurred by participants in preparing their proposals. This approach aligns with standard procurement practice in Nigeria, where public and private entities often retain discretion to select contractors based on a combination of technical merit, financial viability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The move to install a sizable solar facility reflects a broader trend among Nigerian media houses and corporate entities to reduce reliance on the national grid, which suffers from frequent outages and high tariffs. By adopting a hybrid system that can store excess generation, Media Trust Group aims to ensure uninterrupted power for its broadcasting, printing and digital operations, while also cutting operational costs and contributing to the country’s renewable‑energy targets.
Industry observers note that the 590 kWp capacity represents one of the larger private‑sector solar installations in the Federal Capital Territory. Successful execution could set a benchmark for other organizations seeking energy independence, especially as the government pushes for increased private investment in renewable energy to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Potential bidders are advised to prepare comprehensive documentation well ahead of the 10 November deadline, given the extensive eligibility criteria and the requirement for a non‑refundable fee. The tender process will continue after the submission deadline, with Media Trust Group expected to evaluate technical proposals before inviting shortlisted firms to submit their financial offers. A final award decision is likely to be announced in the weeks following the evaluation, although no specific timeline has been provided.
The solar power project thus opens a competitive window for seasoned solar contractors to showcase their capability in delivering large‑scale, grid‑integrated renewable solutions in Nigeria’s capital. The next steps hinge on the outcomes of the site inspection, the quality of the bids received and the group’s internal assessment, all of which will determine when construction can commence and when the Utako headquarters might begin to reap the benefits of clean, reliable power.
