South-South Development Commission, Rural Electrification Agency Sign Pact to Fast-Track Power Supply in South-South

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have sealed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding electricity access and boosting sustainable development across Nigeria’s South-South region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised over the weekend at the REA headquarters in Abuja, in a move stakeholders say could unlock new economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSDC, Usoro Akpabio, described the agreement as a major step towards accelerating growth and addressing infrastructure gaps in the region. She stressed that reliable electricity remains central to development, noting that without stable power, meaningful socio-economic progress would be difficult to achieve.

Akpabio said the Commission was committed to collaborating with the REA to extend electricity to rural and peri-urban communities, adding that improved power supply would drive productivity, create jobs and enhance the quality of life for residents across the South-South.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the partnership as a landmark initiative that would strengthen efforts to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap. He explained that the MoU provides a clear framework for joint project development and implementation in communities with limited access to power.

Aliyu also commended the SSDC leadership for its proactive and innovative development approach, noting that institutions must increasingly explore alternative funding models to achieve sustainable impact. He added that the REA has diversified its revenue base to enhance efficiency and ensure nationwide project delivery.

Also speaking, SSDC Executive Director of Projects, Marcus Nle Eji, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the success of the collaboration, pledging full support for the execution of all joint initiatives.

The partnership is expected to provide a robust funding and implementation framework for critical power infrastructure projects, while advancing inclusive growth across the South-South.

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