The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a kickoff meeting at the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) office on the 16th of August, 2023 to explore avenues of collaboration to electrify Nigeria.
The meeting was led by the MD/CEO of the REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and the JICA Country Representatives in Nigeria, Mr. Susumu Yuzurio – Chief Representatives, Mr. Hiroki Miyoshi – Project formulation Advisor as well as Mr. Ismaila Zarma – Programme officer. Amongst the attendees were Executive Management Staff from the REA; Engr. Barka Sajou – Executive Director, Technical Services, Barbara Izilein – Special Adviser to the MD as well as Abba Aliyu – Head, project Management Unit of the NEP and other members of the NEP-PMU.
During the meeting, the two organizations discussed the possibility of co-financing renewable energy projects in Nigeria. They also explored priority areas where the impact of these projects could be maximized, particularly in rural communities that lack access to reliable power. The two organizations also discussed ways to align their efforts with Nigeria’s renewable energy policy and plan. They agreed to work together to ensure that these projects are seamlessly integrated into the nation’s energy framework.
The kickoff meeting is a significant step towards achieving the goal of universal access to electricity in Nigeria. The collaboration between the REA-NEP and JICA will help to bring clean energy to more people in Nigeria and create a more sustainable future for the country.
