The Rural Electrification Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Community of West African States to deploy solar power systems to 15 public institutions across Nigeria as part of efforts to expand electricity access in underserved communities.
The agreement, announced in a statement issued by REA in Abuja on Monday, will be implemented under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project, a World Bank-supported initiative designed to expand off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel region.
Under the arrangement, ECOWAS will provide a $700,000 grant to fund the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in selected rural health centres and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State and Nasarawa State. The project marks the formal commencement of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under ROGEAP, with REA serving as the technical and financial implementing agency.
REA described the partnership as a practical demonstration of regional collaboration translating into measurable national development outcomes, while ECOWAS officials highlighted its importance in addressing energy poverty across the sub-region.
“Under the agreement, ECOWAS will provide a grant of $700,000 to support the installation of solar PV systems in rural health centres and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Niger and Nasarawa States,” the statement said.
REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, stated that the initiative reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to essential public institutions. “Electrifying health centres and schools means improving healthcare delivery, enhancing learning conditions, and strengthening community development.”
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, described the Nigerian pilot phase as central to the regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty. “This pilot phase in Nigeria is a cornerstone of our regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty.” He added that by providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, “ECOWAS is not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa.” Touray further noted that the collaboration demonstrates how regional grants can be effectively localised to deliver tangible benefits to vulnerable populations.
According to REA, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit will be established within the agency to ensure seamless execution of the initiative in coordination with the ROGEAP team and a Steering Committee, in line with the ECOWAS agreement.
Following the regional agreement, REA also signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with the Niger State Government to facilitate funding access and provide counterpart support for project locations within the state. The subnational collaboration is expected to strengthen coordination and improve delivery efficiency.
Under the arrangement, the Niger State Government will work with REA on coordination, co-financing and monitoring of solar installations across selected facilities. Governor Mohammed Bago described the partnership as consistent with his administration’s “New Niger” development agenda focused on sustainable infrastructure.
“By implementing these solar projects, Niger State is ensuring that rural health and educational facilities have the reliable power they need to serve the people effectively,” Bago said. He added that the state government remains committed to providing counterpart support to ensure the long-term success of the programme.
REA noted that the dual-level framework combining regional collaboration with ECOWAS and subnational cooperation with Niger State is intended to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure efficient project execution.
The solar deployment is expected to improve energy reliability in rural public facilities while reducing dependence on diesel generators. The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives and ongoing efforts to close the electricity access gap nationwide.
The development builds on earlier electrification efforts by REA, which disclosed in December that more than 200 mini-grids were deployed across underserved communities nationwide in 2025. The agency had also signed grant agreements with nine renewable energy companies aimed at expanding electricity access to approximately 17.5 million Nigerians.
