REA signs MoU with Jigawa, NCX to deliver 7MW power to seven industrial clusters
…Says reliable electricity is key to industrialisation
L-R: Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu exchanging pleasantries with the Jigawa State Governor, Dr Umar Namadi on the sidelines of the Jigawa Investment Summit in Dutse recently.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jigawa State Government, the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX), and Astound Power Limited to deliver 7 megawatts (MW) of electricity to seven agro-industrial clusters across Nigeria.
The agreement was signed during the Jigawa Investment Summit (J-Invest 2026). The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) covering agro-industrial clusters in Jigawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Osun, and Ebonyi states.
Under the agreement, the REA will provide the energy infrastructure needed to power irrigation systems and agricultural processing facilities. The NCX will issue warehouse receipts backed by the exchange to eligible farmers and aggregators to support exports.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said reliable electricity is essential for attracting investment, promoting industrialisation, and creating jobs across Nigeria.
He said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to integrating clean energy with agriculture to improve food security, create sustainable jobs, and increase economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
Aliyu added that access to reliable energy enables businesses to grow and communities to prosper. He noted that electricity supports agriculture, manufacturing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other rural businesses, while encouraging greater private sector investment.
According to him, governments can attract more investment by creating an environment where businesses have the confidence to operate and expand.
The Jigawa Investment Summit brought together policymakers, investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss strategies for driving sustainable economic growth in Jigawa State. The summit was officially declared open by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
