Nigeria's REA Addresses Electricity Access with New Agreement

Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), announced that over 85 million Nigerians, approximately 40 percent of the population, lack reliable access to grid electricity. This statement was made during the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with Ecotech Development Nigeria Limited in Abuja, aimed at establishing a solar panel and battery assembly and manufacturing facility in Nigeria.

Aliyu emphasized Nigeria's reliance on imported renewable energy equipment despite its abundant solar resources, stating that every solar installation in the country depends on components manufactured abroad. He noted that this dependency deprives Nigeria of jobs and foreign exchange.

The agreement will allow the REA to facilitate the annual offtake of up to 200 megawatts of solar photovoltaic modules and 200 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems produced locally by Ecotech. Aliyu clarified that the agreement is a non-exclusive framework that will adhere to existing public procurement regulations.