FG, REA sign pact to power grazing reserves with solar energy

The Federal Government, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar mini-grids across selected grazing reserves as part of efforts to modernise livestock farming, improve rural livelihoods, and boost food security.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, described the partnership as “a pivotal step” under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For too long, the immense potential of Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves has been hindered by a lack of basic infrastructure.

“Today, we are not just signing a document; we are ushering in a new era of sustainable development. By providing solar-powered grids to these reserves upon their rehabilitation and resettlement, we are laying the foundation for a more secure, productive, and peaceful future”, Maiha said.

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Maiha noted that the initiative would power irrigation systems for year-round fodder, improve herd quality, light up rural communities, and support schools, healthcare centres, and veterinary clinics.

“This is a non-coercive measure to restore peace in the countryside and foster peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers,” he added.

Also speaking, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director, REA, said the agency saw the collaboration as more than just a project.

“The Rural Electrification Agency is powering Nigeria, and to do that, we target clusters that combine education facilities, health centres, markets, abattoirs, and rural communities. These grazing reserves fit perfectly into that model,” he explained.

Aliyu described the agreement as “a marriage of convenience” that would catalyse development in livestock clusters.

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“Wherever this ministry establishes grazing reserves, we will be there to provide electricity, not only to power the communities but to stimulate livestock development, create jobs, and boost the rural economy in line with the agenda of Mr. President,” he said.

Pilot projects are expected to begin in Wawazenge (Gombe State), Wase (Plateau State), Gongoshi (Adamawa State), and Kau(Bwari Area Council, FCT), before scaling up nationwide.

Earlier, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary to the ministry, said the project was central to the ministry’s livestock transformation plan. “Everything we intend to do revolves around power.

“Both the Renewed Hope villages we are planning to build and the grazing reserves we are trying to revamp need power. So this is a big milestone for us, and we’re very excited to have the REA team on board,” she said.