The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to solar‑power 15 public health and education facilities across Nigeria under the Regional Off‑Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). The initiative aims to strengthen electricity access in critical institutions and improve service delivery through renewable energy solutions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, REA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the agreement as a strong demonstration of regional collaboration driving national development. The MoU provides grant funding support from ECOWAS for the electrification of 15 public health and education facilities using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Following the signing, REA also entered into a separate agreement with the Niger State Government to facilitate state‑level collaboration and co‑financing for selected project sites within the state.
The ECOWAS partnership marks the formal commencement of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under ROGEAP, a regional initiative supported by the World Bank to expand off‑grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel. Under the agreement, ECOWAS will provide a grant of $700,000 to support installations in rural health centres and schools located in the FCT, Niger State, and Nasarawa State. REA will serve as the technical and financial implementing agency.
“This partnership with ECOWAS reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical public institutions. Electrifying health centres and schools means improving healthcare delivery, enhancing learning conditions, and strengthening community development,” Aliyu stated.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, described the pilot phase in Nigeria as a cornerstone of the regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty. “By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa,” he said.
To ensure effective implementation, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established within REA, working closely with the ROGEAP PIU and an established Steering Committee. In alignment with the ECOWAS agreement, REA also signed an MoU with the Niger State Government to enable access to ECOWAS funding and provide counterpart support for project sites within the state.
Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, expressed support for the partnership, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s “New Niger” agenda. “By implementing these solar projects, Niger State is ensuring that our rural health and educational facilities have the reliable power they need to serve our people effectively,” he said.
The project is expected to improve energy reliability in rural public facilities, reduce dependence on diesel generators, lower operating costs, and promote clean energy adoption in line with Nigeria’s national energy policies. Through this collaboration, REA continues to advance its mandate of electrifying unserved and underserved communities while leveraging regional partnerships to unlock sustainable financing and scale impact.
By Blessing Bature, Abuja
