Abuja, Nigeria – The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy solar power systems to 15 public institutions across Nigeria, under a $700,000 grant agreement.
Okay News reports that the agreement was announced in a statement issued by REA in Abuja on Monday. The project will be implemented under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at expanding off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel. ECOWAS will provide the grant to fund installation of solar photovoltaic systems in selected rural health centres and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa States.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the partnership reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical 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 pilot phase in Nigeria as a cornerstone of the regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty. By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, ECOWAS is powering the future of West Africa.
Following the ECOWAS agreement, REA signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with the Niger State Government to facilitate access to funding and provide counterpart support for project sites within the state. Governor Mohammed Bago described the partnership as aligned with his administration’s New Niger agenda focused on sustainable infrastructure. Niger State is ensuring that rural health and educational facilities have the reliable power they need to serve the people effectively. REA noted that the dual-level framework is designed to improve institutional coordination and efficient project execution.
The solar deployment is expected to improve energy reliability in rural public facilities and reduce reliance on diesel generators. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives and efforts to close the electricity access gap. In December, REA disclosed that it deployed more than 200 mini-grids across underserved communities nationwide in 2025. The agency previously signed grant agreements with nine renewable energy companies to expand electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians.
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