By Rotimi Asher, Lagos
Rural Electrification Agency ,REA, and the Lagos State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU, to deploy rooftop solar systems across public institutions, including the Lagos State University.
According to both parties, the agreement, signed during the Lagos State Energy Summit, marks a significant milestone under the REA’s State-by-State Initiative.
They said it also aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access through the 2023 Electricity Act.
The new partnership targets the transition from over four million diesel generators currently in use across Lagos to more sustainable, distributed energy solutions powered by renewables.
A statement from REA on Wednesday quoted Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to have stressed the need for coordinated energy distribution.
“We have excess power generation, but it’s misdirected and not evenly distributed. This collaboration with REA will help bridge that gap”, Hamzat said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, unveiled a series of ambitious projects to be executed under the agreement.
These, according to him, include the development of Nigeria’s first floating solar photovoltaic ,PV, plant, a proposed 8MW facility to serve Lagos State University.
He also disclosed that the $150m lithium battery assembly plant is planned for the Lekki Free Trade Zone, alongside the establishment of a Renewable Energy University to build local capacity and innovation in the clean energy space.
Aliyu said the partnership would also support national programmes such as the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative ,NPSSI, and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up ,DARES, project, which are backed by the World Bank.
“These efforts are designed to empower local developers and build a robust market for Renewable Energy Service Companies ,RESCOs, across the country”, he stated.
He, however, reaffirmed REA’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting local manufacturing, and deepening collaboration at subnational levels to drive Nigeria’s energy transition and ensure sustainable power access for all.
