The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mercy Corps to bolster electricity cooperatives and improve access to electricity in Nigeria’s rural areas.
A statement from the agency Thursday night stated that the signing ceremony took place at the REA’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The statement added that the MoU aims to enhance the capacity of the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS), provide technical assistance for the Africa Mini-grid Programme (AMP), and support the development of a sustainable business model for the operations and maintenance of the Korean Energy Project.
Speaking at the event, the REA’s Managing Director Abba Aliyu, emphasized 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, noted the significance of the partnership, which he said, would mobilize 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 mobilize communities to form strong cooperatives that will ensure economic growth. We are honoured to partner with REA.”
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