The Nigerian government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has partnered with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to install solar photovoltaic systems in 15 public health and education facilities across the country. The initiative targets rural health centers and schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State, and Nasarawa State.
The agreement, signed on Monday, includes a $700,000 grant from ECOWAS to fund the solar installations. The REA will oversee implementation, aligning with the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), a broader World Bank-supported effort to expand off-grid power access throughout West Africa and the Sahel region.
REA Managing Director Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu emphasized the regional collaboration’s role in national development. “This partnership with ECOWAS reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to critical public institutions. Electrifying health centers and schools means improving healthcare delivery, enhancing learning conditions, and strengthening community development,” he stated.
The project addresses a persistent challenge in rural Nigeria, where connection to the national grid is often limited or non-existent. By deploying solar PV systems, the initiative provides a sustainable, decentralized energy solution to power essential medical equipment, lighting, and educational tools, directly impacting service quality in underserved areas.
In a separate but related development, the REA also signed an agreement with the Niger State Government to accelerate rural electrification projects within the state. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago framed the partnership under his administration’s ‘New Niger’ agenda, which prioritizes sustainable infrastructure.
“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,” Governor Bago said.
These coordinated efforts—national, regional, and sub-national—underscore a strategic push to meet energy access targets using renewable solutions. For international stakeholders and development partners, the projects demonstrate a scalable model for leveraging regional grants and technical agencies to achieve localized impact. The success of the initial 15 facilities could pave the way for broader rollout under ROGEAP, contributing to improved health and education outcomes in off-grid communities across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
