Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oando Clean Energy (OCEL) to boost collaboration between the private sector and government agency towards deployment of sustainable renewable energy access across the country.

The MoU was signed at the corporate headquarters of REA in Abuja on Tuesday.

The MoU forms the basis of a public-private arrangement between REA and OCEL to achieve the objectives of the agency in electrification of rural communities, specifically through the deployment of solar infrastructure (solar power solutions).

The parties recognise potential benefits of the deployment of solar infrastructure for power generation to pull the trigger for commercial and enterprise growth in these communities.

There are approximately 92 million Nigerians without access to electricity in the country, most of who reside in rural areas. To this end, the Federal Government set a target to power five million homes through the REA and partnerships with the private sector.

This MoU gives OCEL access to target communities for the rollout of solar mini grids towards the achievement of energy security, power accessibility and affordability.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, said one of the best ways to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria is by exploiting opportunities to optimise the critical role of renewable energy.

He further expressed his delight about the REA and Oando partnership, saying it will bring about mutually beneficial collaboration, knowledge exchange and experiences, all targeted at achieving the common goal of optimising renewable energy.

Speaking at the signing event Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, President and CEO OCEL, 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 to boost energy access in rural areas across Nigeria. We are clear in our minds that a sustainable solution to ensuring all Nigerians have access to power will be by deploying innovative and captive power solutions that address the unique needs of each community. Furthermore, experience has shown that power is an enabler of productivity thus, it is imperative that we accelerate the work required to boost access to power across the nation.”