The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday said Nigeria has one of the largest mini-grid markets in Africa with over 100 mini-grids currently in operation.
This comes as the agency and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) yesterday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and accelerate mini-grid development in Nigeria.
The MoU will focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and better coordination of the sector, amongst other initiatives.
As a significant contributor to Nigeria’s off-grid and renewable energy sector, REA has maintained a strong track record of attracting private sector investment, facilitating inter-sectorial collaboration, and ultimately, ensuring the effective deployment of appropriate off-grid solutions across the country.
The MoU forms the basis of a public-private arrangement between REA and AMDA to achieve the objectives of the agency in electrification of rural communities, due to the energy access gap in the country, there is still a significant need for more decentralized energy interventions to bridge the energy deficit and catalyze socio-economic growth, particularly in rural underserved communities hard hit with energy poverty.
The parties recognise potential benefits of the deployment of REA’s Vision and Strategic Roadmap, the Agency has, over the years expanded its partnership portfolio, while collaborating with forward-leaning stakeholders across the off-grid energy value chain. The pivotal role and sustained impact of AMDA in Africa’s renewable energy space, the REA – AMDA partnership is a significant step forward for the mini-grid sector in Nigeria as it underscores a shared commitment to research, data-driven decision-making, and the establishment of robust industry standards.
Speaking at the MoU signing, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, said the partnership and collaboration would bring together the public and private sector in pursuit of a common goal solidifying its relationship with AMDA under the Nigeria electrification project.
He further expressed his delight about the REA and AMDA partnership, saying it will bring about mutually beneficial collaboration, knowledge exchange and experiences, all targeted at achieving the common goal of decentralizing renewable energy to power the lives and livelihoods of those living in underserved communities.
Speaking at the signing event Olamide Niyi Afuye, Managing Director and CEO Africa Mini grid Developers Association expressed his confidence in the collaboration with REA, saying: “We would not be signing this MoU today if agencies like the REA didn’t provide an enabling environment.
“I commend the REA for partnering with the private sector for the significant milestone in the development of mini-grids across Nigeria. It equally exemplifies the unified efforts between the public and private sectors working in lockstep towards the common goal of providing clean, reliable, safe, and affordable electricity for all.
“Mini grids have the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, and this partnership is a step in the right direction. AMDA is committed to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the mini grid sector to scale and achieve sustainability. “
Source: The Guardian
