In a major step toward improving electricity access in public institutions, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
Under the agreement, which will be implemented through the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), ECOWAS is expected to provide a $700,000 grant to support the installation of solar PV systems in rural health centres and schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director/CEO of REA, described the agreement as a strong demonstration of regional collaboration driving national development.
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According to him, the partnership marks the formal commencement of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under ROGEAP—a regional initiative supported by the World Bank to expand off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel.
“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,” Aliyu said.
He added that 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.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, explained that the pilot phase in Nigeria is a cornerstone of the regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty.
“By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa,” Touray stated. “This collaboration with the REA demonstrates how regional grants can be effectively localized to touch the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.”
To ensure effective implementation, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established within the REA, working closely with the ROGEAP Project Implementation Unit and an established Steering Committee.
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Following the signing of the REA-ECOWAS MoU, the REA also entered into a separate agreement with the Niger State Government to facilitate state-level collaboration and co-financing for selected project sites. Under this arrangement, the Niger State Government will collaborate with the REA on coordination, co-financing, and monitoring of installations.
Expressing his support for the subnational partnership, Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State, said: “Our partnership with the REA is a testament to our administration’s ‘New Niger’ agenda, which prioritizes 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.”
He added that the state remains committed to providing the necessary counterpart support to ensure the initiative’s lasting success.
This dual-level partnership structure—combining regional cooperation with ECOWAS and subnational support from Niger State—is expected to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure the efficient delivery of the pilot project.
