Niger State Set to Shine with ECOWAS-REA Electrification Project

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A landmark partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is poised to bring electricity to Niger State's doorstep. Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the Honorable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Suleiman Umar, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA and ECOWAS in Abuja, marking a significant milestone for the state.


The Regional Office Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) aims to electrify primary health care centers and educational institutions across Niger State, improving lives and unlocking opportunities. Governor Bago hailed the initiative, stating that Niger State's vast landmass, agricultural potential, and efforts to transition from the national grid make it an ideal beneficiary.

The governor expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for choosing Niger State as a pilot for ROGEAP and looked forward to collaborations in education and other sectors. ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, revealed that the project will initially target 15 schools and health centers, with plans for expansion in the coming years.

Dr Alieu Touray assured that technical teams will finalize bidding documents and select private companies to implement the project, aiming for completion by mid-June 2026. REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized that ROGEAP aligns with REA's objectives, highlighting the economic viability of distributed renewable energy.

Niger State has already partnered with REA to develop sustainable solar power solutions, with over 80 mini grids connecting 70,000 households and deploying 60 megawatts of clean electricity. The state government is set to reap the benefits of this game-changing project.


A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner, Power and Renewable Energy 

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