The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ECOWAS Commission to electrify 15 public health and education institutions across Nigeria.
The agreement which was finalized in Abuja, the nation’s capital, secures grant funding from ECOWAS for the electrification of these facilities through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Following the REA-ECOWAS MoU, REA also entered into a separate agreement with the Niger State Government to foster collaboration and co-financing for selected project sites within the State.
The partnership marks the official launch of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at expanding off-grid electricity access throughout West Africa and the Sahel.
Under the agreement, ECOWAS will provide a grant of $700,000 to fund the installation of solar PV systems in rural health centers and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State.
The REA will serve as the technical and financial implementing agency for the project.
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Speaking at the signing ceremony, REA Managing Director, Abba Abubakar-Aliyu said the partnership will improve healthcare delivery, enhance learning conditions, and strengthen community development through reliable electricity.
He emphasized that the project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to expanding sustainable energy access to critical public institutions.
“To ensure effective implementation, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit will be established within REA in collaboration with regional and national stakeholders,”
“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 energy policies” he said.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, described the pilot project as a key regional initiative to eliminate energy poverty.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State pledged his administration’s commitment to providing counterpart support to ensure the project’s success and sustainability.
In a complementary initiative, LOTUS Bank Limited has partnered with REA to provide up to N100 billion in financing to certified Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), easing capital constraints on off-grid electrification projects in rural Nigeria.
LOTUS Bank Managing Director, Dr. Isiaka Ajani-Lawal described the partnership as a practical demonstration of the bank’s commitment to social impact through financing, empowerment, and shared prosperity.
Together, the ECOWAS grant and LOTUS Bank funding are expected to accelerate sustainable electricity access for underserved communities across Nigeria.