The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate electricity access and drive sustainable development across the South-South region.
The agreement was formalised over the weekend at the REA headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, described the partnership as a strategic milestone in unlocking economic growth in the region. She emphasised that electricity remains the backbone of development, noting that without stable and reliable power supply, meaningful socio-economic progress would remain elusive.
According to her, the Commission is pleased to collaborate with the REA in expanding electricity access to underserved communities, stressing that improved power supply would enhance productivity, stimulate job creation and improve living standards across the South-South zone.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the signing of the MoU as a landmark achievement. He explained that the agreement provides a clear framework for both agencies to jointly develop and implement projects aimed at bridging the electricity gap in rural and peri-urban communities.
Aliyu commended the leadership of the SSDC for its proactive approach to development, noting that forward-looking institutions must move beyond reliance on government subventions and explore innovative funding mechanisms. He added that the REA has diversified its revenue streams to ensure sustainability and efficient project delivery nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Projects at the SSDC, Sir Marcus Nle Eji assured the REA of the Commissionโs unwavering commitment to the success of the partnership, pledging full support for the implementation of all joint initiatives.
The MoU is expected to establish a strong funding and implementation framework that will catalyse critical power infrastructure projects and advance inclusive socio-economic development across the South-South region.
Observers say the partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the regionโs long-standing electricity challenges and positioning it for accelerated growth.
