REA and ECOWAS Sign $700,000 Solar Electrification Deal

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to deploy solar power systems in 15 public institutions across Nigeria, with a grant of $700,000. This initiative is part of the Regional Off-Grid Electrification Access Project (ROGEAP), which aims to expand off-grid electricity access in West Africa and the Sahel, supported by the World Bank.

The project will focus on rural health centers and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. The partnership is described as a practical demonstration of regional collaboration to address energy poverty.

REA emphasized the establishment of a dedicated project implementation unit to ensure effective execution. Additionally, a separate memorandum of understanding was signed with the Niger State government to facilitate access to counterpart funding for project sites within the state, enhancing coordination and efficiency in project delivery.