- ECOWAS plans to invest $380 million to electrify public schools and health centres in 18 countries, including Nigeria.
- The project aims to improve electricity access for over 208 million people in the region’s rural areas.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has announced plans to invest $380 million to electrify public schools and health centres in Nigeria, Benin, Chad, and 16 other countries. This initiative addresses the region’s significant energy deficit, where over 208 406 million residents lack access to electricity, particularly in rural areas.
The electrification effort will be implemented through the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), funded by the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund (CTF), and the Netherlands’ Directorate General of International Cooperation (DGIS). El Hadji Sylla, Senior Adviser at the Commission, highlighted the project’s goal of increasing electricity access for rural communities and improving service delivery in public institutions.
During a stakeholder engagement forum in Abuja on September 26 2024, Sylla noted that the pilot phase of the project would focus on selected public schools and health centres in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa states, with a target completion time of 18 months. The entire regional project is expected to span five years.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasised the growth in rural electrification through grants and subsidies. He expressed optimism about private sector investment in electrification, driven by public support and innovative financing solutions.
Dr. Muyibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, underscored the critical role of electricity in modern education. She pointed out that frequent power outages hinder academic performance and research productivity. She stressed that ROGEAP could significantly improve access to electricity in educational institutions, enhancing their sustainability and resilience.
Dr Nwokwu Emmanuel from the Federal Ministry of Health highlighted the dire consequences of poor electricity access in health facilities. He stated that inadequate power often forces healthcare workers to manage emergencies using flashlights. He affirmed that the project would immensely benefit rural health centres.
Mr. Fidelis Akpogu, representing the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, noted that the project would help address immediate electrification needs in public institutions and promote sustainable energy access by developing a regional market for off-grid solar products.