ECOWAS, REA Sign N946.5m Grant for Solar Electrification

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide a grant of N946.5 million for the solar electrification of public institutions, specifically targeting 15 public health and educational facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State. This initiative is part of the Regional Off-Grid Electrification Access Project (ROGEAP) and is supported by the World Bank.

The grant will fund the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, significantly improving access to electricity in off-grid areas. Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, emphasized the agreement's role in enhancing healthcare delivery and educational conditions, thereby fostering community development.

The partnership marks the commencement of Nigeria's pilot implementation phase of ROGEAP, with Hon. Moham Umar Bago, the Governor of Niger State, expressing support for the initiative as part of the state's new agenda prioritizing sustainable infrastructure.