The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with five private developers to enhance electricity access across the country.

According to the statement by the REA, the agreements will deliver a combined 1,265 MW capacity of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects, benefiting peri-urban and rural communities.

The five developers involved in the partnership are: A4&T Power Solutions, Eauxwell Nigeria Limited, Skipper Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy Limited, and Privida Power.

The Managing Director/CEO of REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said their combined efforts under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project would include inter-connected mini-grids, isolated mini-grids, commercial and industrial (C&I) solutions, and productive use of energy (PUE) projects.

“This MoU demonstrates our commitment to rolling out the RESCOs model and provides developers the opportunity to partner with REA to build mini grids and become RESCOs,” he said.

Also speaking, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, G. Balasubramanian, said the MoU would improve the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and India.

“This signing will improve the bilateral cooperation between India and Nigeria. I am very happy that we are sharing our experience to develop the energy sector in Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, REA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mercy Corps to bolster electricity cooperatives and improve access to electricity in the country’s rural areas.

A statement from the agency indicated that the signing ceremony took place at REA’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

REA’s boss Aliyu emphasised the importance of sustainability in project planning.

He said, “Today’s MoU signing strengthens REA’s drive for the sustainability of projects. There is a need to always plan for the end of projects and to indeed put in sustainable measures that will drive the continuity of the project post-completion.

“At REA, the REUCS is the platform used to ensure this sustainability, ensuring the operation and maintenance of the projects as well as the security of the infrastructure and revenue collection. Mercy Corps, through years of expertise, will help the Agency towards sustaining deployed projects.”
In his address, the Country Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, Ndubuisi Anyawu, said the partnership would mobilise communities to form strong cooperatives that will ensure economic growth.

“Today is pivotal for us with this signing with the REA. It is not just a formality but a spark that ignites partnership. We stand firm with REA’s mandate and envision a Nigeria where even the most remote areas have access to electricity that powers homes, education, healthcare, and social development.

“This MoU represents a powerful partnership that will mobilise communities to form strong cooperatives that will ensure economic growth. We are honored to partner with REA,” he said.