The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Jigawa State’s renewable energy initiatives as part of its ongoing state-by-state strategic roundtables.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to expanding energy access in Jigawa State, northwest Nigeria, through sustainable and innovative solutions.
REA, Jigawa State Government Sign MoU to Unlock Renewable Energy Potentials in Jigawa State – Governor @uanamadi Assures Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) of the State’s Readiness for Strategic PPPs.
The Managing Director of the REA, @abbaaliyu_, while delivering the… pic.twitter.com/jz5D2t1Edo
— REANigeria (@TheREANigeria) February 4, 2025
Speaking at the REA-Jigawa State Roundtable in Abuja, Aliyu emphasised the agency’s dedication to supporting the state’s renewable energy agenda.
The event, themed “Unleashing Market Opportunities for Decentralised Renewable Energy in Jigawa State,” focused on fostering investment and policy-driven solutions to accelerate energy access in the region.
According to Abubakar-Aliyu, the roundtable was to foster collaboration between the state government, the Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), and key stakeholders in the sector.
The Managing Director noted that REA is currently executing 21 mini-grid projects across 21 local government areas in Jigawa through the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) in collaboration with the African Development Bank.
“These projects are expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 people, with a focus on high-energy-demand communities engaged in agricultural production.”
“The initiatives are intended to provide inclusive energy solutions and enhance electricity access across the state.”
He assured the Jigawa State Government of REA’s commitment to implementing cost-effective electrification strategies, backed by data and sustainability mechanisms.
On the heels of Jigawa’s recent efforts to strengthen its electricity market, including the creation of the Jigawa State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy and the Jigawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Governor Umar Namadi emphasised his administration’s dedication to harnessing clean energy opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth.
Today, at the Rural Electricity Agency State-By-State Roundtable in Abuja, we took a major step toward a cleaner, brighter future by signing a partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency @TheREANigeria. This agreement will expand access to affordable, sustainable power… pic.twitter.com/UUP3aUfJOp
— Umar Namadi (@uanamadi) February 4, 2025
In a significant move, the state governor, Umar Namadi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with REA to unlock the state’s renewable energy potential.
The governor reassured Renewable Energy Service Companies of Jigawa’s readiness for strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs), emphasising that the state provides a stable investment climate for clean energy initiatives.
Governor Namadi also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in the energy sector, following the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act.
He described Jigawa as an ideal environment for renewable energy investment, citing favourable policies, political will, and the state’s physical advantages.
“The potential and opportunities for renewable energy development in Jigawa State are limitless, from policy environment to political commitment, and from our comparative geographical advantages to an already conducive investment climate,” he said.
The Head of the Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Programme, Olufemi Akinyelure, emphasised the role of the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up programme.
“With a $750 million budget, DARES aims to provide electricity to over 25 million Nigerians. He also underscored the importance of increased private-sector financing to drive renewable energy scale-up and improve return on investment.”
Also, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Udoh, discussed the agency’s E-HEART initiative and State Matching Programme.
She explained that REA is targeting renewable energy projects across key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, rural development, and transportation, with the ultimate goal of improving internally generated revenue in the States.
Jigawa has benefitted from several off-grid energy solutions implemented by REA, including solar home systems, mini-grids, streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar-powered irrigation pumps.
These initiatives have played a vital role in electrifying rural communities, boosting agricultural productivity, and improving livelihoods across the state.
As Nigeria continues its transition to a decentralised energy market under the 2023 Electricity Act, Jigawa State is positioning itself as a model for subnational clean energy adoption.
The strategic partnership between REA and the state government is expected to accelerate electrification efforts, attract investment and drive sustainable economic development in the region.
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