The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to provide a $700,000 (approximately ₦946.5 million) grant for solar electrification of 15 public health centres (PHCs) and schools in Nigeria.
The agreement was announced in a statement by REA on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Under the deal, ECOWAS will fund the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in selected rural health centres and schools located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and Nasarawa State. The project will be implemented by REA as the technical and financial executing agency.
REA also signed a separate agreement with the Niger State Government to facilitate state-level collaboration, co-financing, and implementation support for selected project sites within the state.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s pilot phase under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), a World Bank-supported regional programme aimed at expanding off-grid electricity access across West Africa and the Sahel.
REA Managing Director/CEO Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu described the partnership as a powerful example of regional collaboration advancing national priorities.
“This partnership with ECOWAS 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,” he said.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray stated that the pilot phase in Nigeria is a cornerstone of the regional strategy to eliminate energy poverty.
“By providing sustainable solar solutions to schools and clinics, we are not just lighting up buildings; we are powering the future of West Africa. This collaboration with the REA demonstrates how regional grants can be effectively localized to touch the lives of the most vulnerable citizens,” he added.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago described the partnership as aligning with his administration’s “New Niger” agenda, which prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and improved public service delivery.
“By implementing these solar projects, Niger State is ensuring that our rural health and educational facilities have the reliable power they need to serve our people effectively. We remain committed to providing the necessary counterpart support to make this initiative a lasting success,” he said.
The projects are expected to deliver clean, reliable, and renewable energy to underserved rural health and education facilities, improving healthcare outcomes, educational performance, and overall quality of life in targeted communities.
