The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has deployed 1,300 solar-powered water pumps to farmers in rural communities to improve irrigation systems through its Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP).
Speaking about the programme, the Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo, emphasized the importance of renewable energy in everyday life.
He said, “Across different dimensions, renewable energy solutions help to resolve real-life problems in our communities.
“So far, over 1,300 solar-powered water pumps have been deployed through REA’s capital projects, with a programmatic approach, across all geopolitical zones,” Salihijo stated.
The head of the power agency said the approach has helped to further align the agency’s interventions with the federal government’s socio-economic objectives and programmes nationwide, while further deepening the productive use of energy in off-grid communities.
On the expectation from the scheme, Salihijo said, “Over 6,000 farmers will ultimately be impacted through these efforts. These solutions will improve yield, contribute to food security and strengthen irrigation farming. The vibrant economies and social systems in our rural communities are very important to national development.”
REA is implementing the EAP in partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The programme is expected to boost the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accelerate renewable energy and unlock agricultural productivity.
REA is equally implementing other renewable energy projects through private-sector partnerships including the provision of off-grid electricity facilities.
“Over 17,000 additional renewable energy connections are underway across seven communities as REA II private developers sign grant agreements under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP),” the agency stated.
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