REA, ECOWAS seal $700,000 solar deal to power 15 Nigerian public institutions

A $700,000 grant agreement has been sealed between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to power 15 public institutions across Nigeria with solar energy systems.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), will see ECOWAS provide grant funding to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in selected public health centres and educational facilities. The beneficiary institutions are located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State.

The initiative marks the official launch of Nigeria’s pilot phase under ROGEAP, a World Bank-backed regional programme designed to expand off-grid electricity access throughout West Africa and the Sahel. Under the arrangement, REA will serve as the technical and financial implementing agency responsible for delivering the installations.

In addition to the ECOWAS pact, REA signed a separate MoU with the Niger State government to deepen subnational collaboration. The state government will provide counterpart funding and support coordination and monitoring for project sites within its jurisdiction.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the agreement as a practical example of how regional partnerships can accelerate national development goals. He noted that electrifying schools and health centres would enhance healthcare services, improve learning environments, and contribute to broader community advancement.

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On his part, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the broader regional impact of the initiative, describing Nigeria’s pilot as central to ECOWAS’ strategy to tackle energy poverty. He said providing reliable solar power to public institutions would help safeguard essential services while strengthening long-term development outcomes across the region.

To drive implementation, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established within REA. The unit will collaborate closely with the ROGEAP Project Implementation Unit and a steering committee to ensure smooth execution and accountability.

Niger State Governor, Mr Mohammed Umar Bago, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development under the ‘New Niger’ agenda. He pledged the state’s readiness to provide the necessary counterpart support to guarantee the success and durability of the project.

The combined regional and state-level partnership framework is expected to improve coordination and facilitate efficient rollout of the pilot phase. Beyond enhancing electricity reliability in rural facilities, the project aims to cut reliance on diesel generators, reduce operational costs, and promote clean energy adoption in alignment with Nigeria’s energy transition objectives.

Through the collaboration, REA continues to advance its mandate of extending electricity to underserved communities while leveraging regional financing mechanisms to scale impact sustainably.