In order to strengthen electricity cooperatives towards improved electricity access in Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mercy Corps.
The MoU aims to provide capacity building and strengthen the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS), provide technical assistance for the Africa mini-grid programme as well as support the development of sustainable business model for the operations and maintenance of the Korean Energy Project.
The Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, while giving his remarks said: “Today’s MoU signing strengthens REA’s drive for sustainability of projects.
“There is a need to always plan for the end of projects and to indeed put in sustainable measures that will drive the continuity of the project post-completion.
“At REA, the REUCS is the platform used to ensure this sustainability. This platform ensures operation and maintenance of the projects as well as security of the infrastructure and revenue collection. Mercy Corps through years of expertise under this strategic partnership will help the Agency towards sustaining projects deployed,” Aliyu added.
The Country Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, Ndubuisi Anyawu, said the signing with the REA wasn’t just a formality but a spark that ignited partnership.
“We stand firm with REA’s mandate and envision a Nigeria that no matter how remote has access to electricity that powers homes, education, healthcare and social development. This MoU represents a powerful partnership that will mobilize communities to form strong cooperatives that will ensure economic growth. We are honored to partner with REA,” he said.
This collaboration, he said signified the willingness and commitment of the organisations to boost the socio-economic lives of rural communities in Nigeria through provision of electricity.
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