ECOWAS AND THE NIGERIAN RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY JOIN FORCES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO OFF-GRID ENERGY IN NIGER STATE

Abuja, Nigeria, 23 February 2026: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission (ECOWAS) and the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding as part of the regional pilot programme for off-grid access to electricity (ROGEAP). This partnership aims to ensure a stable and sustainable electricity supply to essential public infrastructure, including primary health centres and schools in Niger State, located in the north-central region of Nigeria.

This initiative aims to expand access to energy in rural and underserved areas, improve the quality of basic social services and promote more inclusive socio-economic development. During the signing ceremony, the Chair of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated that electricity is a key driver of development. He emphasised that the electrification of rural areas stimulates economic growth and strengthens social progress, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative for the State of Niger, which faces a significant energy deficit.

For his part, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, welcomed this cooperation, highlighting the crucial role of a reliable electricity supply in implementing the state’s development priorities. He also expressed a desire to extend collaboration with the ECOWAS to other key sectors such as education and agriculture. Finally, the Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the scale of energy shortages across the African continent, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa. He described this partnership as a strategic and timely response to regional challenges relating to access to electricity.