REA and SAPZ Sign MoU for Affordable Energy Access

On Monday, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja to provide affordable energy across all SAPZ sites in Nigeria. Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasized the partnership's potential to transform agricultural productivity and improve rural community wellbeing.

The agreement aims to benefit 25,000 households, 13 health facilities, and over 103,000 direct beneficiaries in designated areas. The Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Power as a significant step towards bridging the infrastructure gap in agriculture.

REA's Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, noted the agency's completion of 424 mini-grid electrification projects and ongoing 693 projects. The initiative is expected to address energy supply challenges critical for the SAPZ programme's success, enhancing the economies of production centers and surrounding communities.