By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In an effort to accelerate access to clean energy in Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a multi-stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic partners.
It was gathered that the agency’s new line of partnerships includes four government agencies; the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), the National Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
In addition, the organisation partnered with over 20 Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) who have committed to optimizing their resources to deliver innovative, sustainable, utility-scale renewable energy capacity in line with the objectives of the REA.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, REA expressed confidence that this development will lead to a significant step towards driving innovation and expanding renewable energy solutions in key institutions in the country.
With an active history on sector coordination and energy access project implementation in Nigeria, the REA continues to facilitate productive partnerships with other government agencies, development finance institutions as well as the private sector geared towards revolutionizing the energy access landscape.
“The need for strategic coordination between the multiple players across the electricity value chain and a coordinated approach in the delivery of energy access projects.
“The REA has been tasked with the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), which will serve as a pathway for data-driven, sector-specific, integrated electrification plan, hence the need for strategic partnerships with key players across sectors,” the chief executive of REA, Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, stated.
He disclosed further that his company’s approach to renewable energy projects is data-driven and impact-focused targeted at strengthening the operations of organizations, cutting down on C02 emissions, decreasing operational costs, and enabling sustainability, while significantly increasing the nation’s clean energy footprint.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Ms Kemi Nanna Nandap, while speaking on her technology-driven and innovative approach to border safety and security, expressed her delight about the timeliness of the partnership with the REA.
Also, the executive Secretary of NPTF, Mr Mohammed Sheidu, emphasized the centrality of energy in technology use, noting that his organisation’s collaboration with the REA will serve as “a framework for the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects that will electrify key police facilities, as such projects align with the broader goal of promoting sustainability, energy security and enhanced mobility for the police force.”