The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Monday, February 23, signed a $700,000 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission to electrify healthcare centres and 15 public universities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State.
In a statement, REA said the project falls under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) and is supported by grant funding from ECOWAS.
The statement read, “The ECOWAS partnership marks the formal commencement of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under ROGEAP, which is a regional initiative supported by the World Bank to expand off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel.
“Under the agreement, ECOWAS will provide a grant of $700,000 to support the installation of solar PV systems in rural health centres and schools located in the FCT, Niger State, and Nasarawa State.
“The project will be implemented by REA as the technical and financial implementing agency.”
To ensure effective implementation, REA said a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be set up within the agency to work closely with the ROGEAP project implementation unit and the established steering committee.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abba Aliyu, managing director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of REA, described the agreement as a strong demonstration of regional partnership driving national development.
He said, “This partnership with ECOWAS reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical public institutions.
“Electrifying health centres and schools means improving healthcare delivery, enhancing learning conditions, and strengthening community development.”
Reflecting on the project’s regional importance, Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, said the pilot phase in Nigeria represents a cornerstone of the regional strategy to eradicate energy poverty.
He added, “By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa.
“This collaboration with the REA demonstrates how regional grants can be effectively localised to touch the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.”
In alignment with the ECOWAS agreement, REA said it also signed an MoU with the government of Niger State to enable access to ECOWAS funding and provide counterpart support for project sites within the state.
According to the statement, the state government will collaborate with REA on coordination, co-financing, and monitoring of installations in selected facilities.
REA said, “This dual-level partnership structure with ECOWAS and subnational cooperation with Niger State strengthens institutional coordination and ensures efficient delivery of the pilot project.
“The project is expected to improve energy reliability in rural public facilities, reduce dependence on diesel generators, lower operating costs, and promote clean energy adoption in line with Nigeria’s national energy policies.”
Expressing support for the subnational partnership, Mohammed Bago, governor of Niger State, said the partnership with REA is a testament to our administration’s ‘New Niger’ agenda, which prioritises sustainable infrastructure.
“By implementing these solar projects, Niger State is ensuring that our rural health and educational facilities have the reliable power they need to serve our people effectively,” Bago said.
The governor added that the state remains committed to providing the necessary counterpart support to make the scheme a lasting success.
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