REA, SAPZ sign MoU to expand electricity access in agro-industrial zones

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide affordable electricity to agro-industrial processing centres across Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima describing the initiative as a major step towards transforming agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, provides for joint assessment, technical assistance and energy deployment across SAPZ sites under the REA’s Desert to Power (DTP) programme.

Speaking at the ceremony through the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima commended the collaboration involving the African Development Bank (AfDB), the REA and the SAPZ programme, saying it would strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

He praised the management of the REA for its commitment to expanding energy access, noting that the programme could significantly boost food production and economic activities in rural communities.

“The SAPZ programme, if fully operationalised, has the potential of transforming agricultural productivity across the country and improving the wellbeing of rural communities,” the Vice President said.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to support partnerships capable of unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the partnership between the AfDB, the Federal Ministry of Power and the REA as a significant milestone for the agricultural sector.

According to him, “the collaboration… is commendable and is the beginning of greater achievements in the agricultural sector given the potential for growth.”