Call for National Tender for the Supply and Installation of Solar Dryer at Nuru Nigeria

Nuru Nigeria is a local Nigerian NGO with affiliates in the US, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Benin and Togo. Our mission is to build resilience corridors of farmer-owned and farmer-led agribusinesses and profitable rural livelihoods in proximate to conflict-vulnerable areas in Northern Nigeria. Nuru Nigeria prioritizes smallholder farmers and is committed to cultivating lasting, meaningful choices through community-led, community-driven, and community-sustained livelihood projects across the agricultural value chain.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Call for National Tender for the Supply and Installation of Solar Dryer

Location: Adamawa
Employment Type: Supply / Service Contract

Background

• As part of the SUSTAIN project, NURU Nigeria is implementing an Aquaculture activity. This initiative is designed to train farmers on best practices in fish farming and to support the establishment of community water points, fingerlings, aquariums, and feeds, essential for this activity.
• Post-harvest losses of fish due to inadequate preservation methods remain a major challenge among smallholder fish farmers and fish processors. Traditional open-air sun drying and fuelwood smoking often result in quality deterioration, contamination, high fuel costs, environmental degradation, and health risks. Solar drying technology provides a sustainable, cost-effective, and hygienic alternative that improves product quality, extends shelf life, reduces post-harvest losses, and enhances income for fish processors.
• Traditional fish processing methods such as open sun drying and fuelwood smoking are commonly practiced but are associated with challenges including contamination, inconsistent product quality, excessive use of fuelwood, environmental degradation, health risks (especially for women), and reduced shelf life of fish products.
• The use of solar dryer technology for drying and smoking of fish offers a climate-smart, cost-effective, and hygienic solution. This intervention aligns with agricultural transformation and climate resilience goals, and supports livelihood improvement, food security, environmental protection, and women and youth economic empowerment.

Terms of Reference (ToR)
Objective:
To improve fish preservation, quality, and market value through the introduction and effective utilization of solar dryers for drying of fish.

• Procure and install efficient solar dryers suitable for drying and smoking different fish species.
• Reduce post-harvest losses and dependence on fuelwood.
• Improve hygiene, food safety, and quality standards of processed fish.
• Build the capacity of fish processors on operation, maintenance, and quality control.
• Promote environmentally friendly and climate-smart fish processing technologies.

Scope of Work / Methodology
The selected supplier / contractor shall be responsible for the following:
Design and Supply:

• Supply solar dryers specifically designed for fish drying and smoking.
• Dryer capacity should be able to carry 50-100kg fresh fish suitable for small to medium-scale processors.
• Use durable, and weather-resistant materials.

Installation and Testing:

• Install solar dryers at designated sites.
• Conduct testing and to ensure functionality and safety.
• Provide user manuals and technical documentation.

Deliverables / Expected Outputs:
Solar Collector:

• Captures solar radiation and converts it into heat
• Usually made of:
  • Transparent cover (glass or UV-treated polyethylene sheet)
  • Absorber plate (painted black metal sheet)
• Heats the air that will be used for drying fish.

Drying Chamber:

• Enclosed compartment where fish is placed for drying.
• Protects fish from dust, insects, rain, and animals.
• Designed to maintain hygienic drying conditions.

Drying Trays / Racks:

• Hold fish inside the drying chamber.

Made from food-grade materials such as:

• Stainless steel mesh
• Arranged in layers to allow uniform air circulation.

Air Inlet (Ventilation Inlet):

• Located at the bottom or side of the dryer.
• Allows cool, fresh air to enter the system.
• Often fitted with insect-proof mesh.

Air Outlet / Chimney:

• Located at the top or back of the dryer.
• Allows moist hot air to escape.
• Enhances natural airflow (chimney effect).

Temperature Control System:

• Regulates heat inside the dryer.
• Adjustable vents
• Thermometer or temperature gauge
• Maintains drying temperature (typically 40–80°C for fish).

Samples and Schematic Diagrams (where Applicable)

Opening, Evaluation of Tenders and Selection Criteria:
The opening and examination of tenders is for the purpose of checking whether the tenders are complete and whether the tenders are generally in order.

Tender Process
The following processes will be applied to this Tender:

• Tender Period
• Tender Closing
• Tender Opening
• Administrative Evaluation
• Technical Evaluation
• Financial Evaluation
• Contract Award
• Notification of Contract Award.

The subsequent evaluation of the tenders shall be carried out in Yola by an Evaluation Committee made up of representatives of Nuru Nigeria.
Tenders will be evaluated on the criteria listed below:

• Compliance with Nuru Nigeria Procurement terms and conditions. (Administrative)
• Prices based on best value for money of items requested. (Financials)
• Financials must be on company letterhead
• Registered general supplier and installation companies(Preferably)
• Adherence with technical specifications requested. (Technical)
• Quality of the product. (Technical)
• Delivery Lead-time. (Technical)
• Similar past experiences with NGO/UN agencies. (Administrative)
• Availability of physical presence (Operational Office/shop). (Technical)
• Payment Terms and Conditions. (Technical)
• Validity of the offer. (Administrative).

Additional Information:

• In the interests of transparency and equal treatment and without being able to modify their tenders, bidders may be required, at the sole written request of the evaluation committee, to provide clarifications within forty-eight (48) hours. Any such request for clarification must not seek the correction of formal errors or of major restrictions affecting performance of the contract or distorting competition.
• Any attempt by a bidder to influence the evaluation committee in the process of examination, clarification, evaluation and comparison of tenders, to obtain information on how the procedure is progressing or to influence Nuru Nigeria in its decision concerning the award of the contract will result in the immediate rejection of the tender.
• No liability can be accepted for late delivery of tenders. Late tenders will be rejected and will not be considered.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2026 at 5:00 PM.