NEP SOLAR MINI GRID COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

REA conducted townhall engagements in 66 communities across Niger, Ogun, Cross River and Sokoto state.

6 communities across all states were excluded from the engagement due to environmental, grid connectivity and security factors.

Prior to engagement, meetings were held with state government officials for alignment on state activities and for support. State representatives accompanied each team to all the communities and played a facilitating role.

Communities were educated on the benefits, impact, productive uses of solar electricity and the formation Electricity Users Cooperative Society (EUCS).

Messaging included gender inclusion, community support, environmental, and social safeguards.

Letters of Expression of Interest were signed by various communities to indicate understanding and willingness to participate with the exception of Niger State whose officials advised working through the local government area through their existing framework.

A follow up engagement survey was conducted after the townhall to assess impact. The community engagement across the 4 states was a success and the overwhelming evidence of community support and acceptance of NEP facilitated by engagement messaging, video and educational materials was very positive.