In a significant advancement for electricity access in public institutions, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission as part of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP).
The agreement, finalized on February 23, 2026, secures grant funding from ECOWAS for the electrification of 15 public health and education facilities in Nigeria through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Following the signing of the REA-ECOWAS MoU, the 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.
This partnership marks the official launch of Nigeria’s pilot implementation phase under ROGEAP, a regional initiative supported by the World Bank that aims to expand off-grid electricity access throughout West Africa and the Sahel.
As part of 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 act as the technical and financial implementing agency for the project.
At the signing ceremony, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of REA, emphasized that this agreement exemplifies regional cooperation aimed at promoting national development.
“This partnership with ECOWAS reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical public institutions. Electrifying health centers and schools will enhance healthcare delivery, improve learning conditions, and strengthen community development,” he stated.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the regional importance of the project. He stated, “This pilot phase in Nigeria is a cornerstone of our regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty.
By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not merely illuminating buildings; we are empowering the future of West Africa. This collaboration with the REA showcases how regional grants can effectively be localized to benefit the most vulnerable citizens.”
To ensure the successful implementation of the project, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established within the REA, working closely with the ROGEAP Project Implementation Unit and a designated Steering Committee.
Additionally, in alignment with the ECOWAS agreement, the REA has signed an MoU with the Niger State Government to facilitate access to ECOWAS funding and provide the necessary counterpart support for project sites within the state. The Niger State Government will work in partnership with the REA to coordinate, co-finance, and monitor the installations in the selected facilities.
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