Katsina State Signs MoU To Boost Solar Power In Underserved Areas

Katsina, Nigeria – Katsina State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to improve decentralised solar power projects in underserved areas, marking a significant step towards increasing energy access and stimulating economic growth.

This initiative was announced at a recent Roundtable on Sustainable Energy Solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who signed the MoU, expressed strong support for the REA’s initiatives and reaffirmed his commitment to improving Katsina residents’ lives through renewable energy solutions.

He emphasised the importance of energy in powering businesses, homes, and communities, claiming that “Katsina State is powering the dreams and aspirations of Nigeria’s MSMEs, as MSMEs are the backbone of the economy.”

The agreement outlines a framework for establishing long-term solar power projects, with an emphasis on local capacity building, community ownership, and regular performance monitoring.

The Governor also emphasised the state’s commitment to accelerating the ongoing wind energy project in the state, and requested technical advice and support from the REA to ensure an efficient concession.

Abba Abubakar Aliyu, REA’s Managing Director/CEO, highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to coordinate and scale up renewable energy solutions across Nigeria.

He emphasised the importance of revitalising state governments’ energy ecosystems in order to attract private sector investment and strengthen the relationship between states and Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs).

The REA MD also underscored the crucial role of clean energy in supporting MSMEs and assured Governor Radda of the agency’s commitment to catalysing investments in the energy sector through the Distributed Energy through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.

Hajiya Aisha Aminu Abdullahi-Malumfashi, Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), echoed the Governor’s sentiments, highlighting KASEDA’s focus on powering MSMEs sustainably to drive youth participation in entrepreneurship.

She emphasised the central role of clean, sustainable energy in accelerating the State’s business climate and praised the Roundtable as a pivotal step in shaping the energy access landscape in Katsina State.

The MoU signifies a major step forward in Katsina State’s efforts to provide reliable and affordable energy to underserved communities.

This initiative is expected to attract significant investment in the state’s energy sector, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic development.

Stakeholders expressed their optimism about the role of clean energy in driving economic growth and supporting local businesses in the region.