Nigeria's REA and ECOWAS Forge $700,000 Solar Partnership for Rural Institutions
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. This landmark agreement secures a $700,000 grant, equivalent to approximately N946.5 million, dedicated to solar electrification projects targeting public health and education facilities across Nigeria.
Targeting Critical Infrastructure in Three Regions
This initiative is a key component of the broader Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), which receives support from the World Bank. The funding is specifically allocated to electrify 15 public institutions using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The selected facilities are located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State, marking a focused effort to address energy deficits in these areas.
The REA will serve as the technical and financial implementing agency for the project, ensuring the installation and management of the solar systems. In a parallel development, the REA has also established a separate agreement with the Niger State Government. This subnational partnership aims to facilitate state-level collaboration and co-financing for project sites within Niger State, enhancing local involvement and resource allocation.
Official Statements Highlight Development Impact
During the signing ceremony, key leaders emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration. Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, described the agreement as a powerful demonstration of regional cooperation driving national progress.
"This partnership with ECOWAS reinforces Nigeria's commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical public institutions," Dr. Aliyu stated. "Electrifying health centres and schools means improving healthcare delivery, enhancing learning conditions, and strengthening community development in our rural areas."
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the regional significance of the project. "By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa," he remarked. "This collaboration with the REA demonstrates how regional grants can be effectively localised to touch the lives of the most vulnerable citizens."
Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, expressed strong support for the initiative, linking it to his administration's 'New Niger' agenda. He noted that the partnership with REA is a testament to the state's prioritization of sustainable infrastructure development.
A Strategic Step in Combating Energy Poverty
This agreement formally commences Nigeria's pilot implementation phase under the ROGEAP framework. The project represents a strategic move to tackle energy poverty, which has long hindered healthcare, education, and overall community development in rural Nigeria. The use of solar PV systems offers a renewable and reliable energy source, potentially reducing operational costs for the targeted facilities and improving service delivery.
The collaboration between REA and ECOWAS sets a precedent for how international and regional funding can be leveraged to address critical national infrastructure gaps. It highlights a growing focus on off-grid solutions as a viable means to achieve electricity access in remote and underserved regions, aligning with broader sustainable development goals in West Africa.
