- REA has secured a $700,000 ECOWAS grant to install solar systems in 15 public health and education facilities across the FCT, Niger and Nasarawa states.
- The project, under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project, aims to improve energy reliability in rural institutions and expand clean energy access.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ECOWAS Commission. The agreement secures a $700,000 grant to deploy solar photovoltaic systems in 15 public health and education facilities across Nigeria.
The facilities are located in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State and Nasarawa State. The deal also launches Nigeria’s pilot phase under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). The World Bank supports the regional initiative, which aims to expand off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel.
Under the arrangement, ECOWAS will fund the installation of solar systems in rural clinics and schools. Meanwhile, REA will serve as the technical and financial implementing agency.
At the signing ceremony, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, described the partnership as a model for regional collaboration. He explained that electrifying public institutions will improve healthcare delivery and enhance learning conditions. In addition, he said the intervention will strengthen community development.
Furthermore, Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, described the pilot as central to tackling energy poverty. He stated that sustainable solar systems for schools and clinics will power long-term socio-economic growth in West Africa.
To ensure effective delivery, REA will establish a dedicated Project Implementation Unit. The unit will work closely with the ROGEAP Project Implementation Unit and a Steering Committee. As a result, stakeholders expect stronger oversight and accountability.
REA signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with the Niger State Government. The agreement will support state-level coordination and counterpart funding. Governor Mohammed Bago endorsed the initiative and aligned it with the state’s “New Niger” agenda. He also pledged co-financing to guarantee sustainability.
The dual partnership between ECOWAS and subnational authorities will strengthen institutional coordination. It will also reduce reliance on diesel generators and lower operating costs. It will also promote clean energy adoption in line with Nigeria’s national electrification strategy.
REA operates under the Federal Ministry of Power and was established under Section 127 of the Electricity Act 2023. The World Bank supports ROGEAP to expand off-grid solar markets and increase clean energy access across West Africa and the Sahel.