REA PUSHES PRODUCTIVE ELECTRICITY ACCESS TO DRIVE RURAL ENTERPRISE

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is intensifying efforts to promote productive use of electricity in rural communities as a catalyst for enterprise development and economic growth.

Under initiatives like the Energizing Agriculture Programme and Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), the agency is deploying mini-grids and solar solutions designed not only for lighting but also to power agro-processing, milling, cold storage, and small businesses.

Recent groundbreaking of 42 renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states is expected to benefit over 40,000 households and businesses, including thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises.

REA officials stressed that reliable power for productive activities will reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, and boost local economies. The focus on commercial clusters and agricultural value chains aims to transition rural areas from subsistence to commercial productivity.

Stakeholders believe scaling productive electricity access is essential for achieving broader goals of food security, industrialisation, and inclusive development across Nigeria’s underserved regions.