By Seun Ibiyemi
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jigawa State Government, the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and Astound Power Limited to deliver a 7-megawatt (MW) power project aimed at boosting agro-industrial development across seven states.
The agreement was signed during the Jigawa Investment Summit (J-Invest 2026) and will support a multi-state public-private partnership (PPP) initiative covering agro-industrial clusters in Jigawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Osun and Ebonyi states.
Under the arrangement, the REA will deploy energy infrastructure to power irrigation systems and agro-processing facilities, while the Nigerian Commodity Exchange will issue NCX-backed warehouse receipts to eligible farmers and commodity aggregators to facilitate exports.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said access to reliable electricity remains one of the most important drivers of investment, industrialisation and job creation in Nigeria.
Aliyu, who also served as a lead panellist at the summit, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to integrating clean energy with agriculture to strengthen food security, expand employment opportunities and unlock greater economic value for farmers and rural communities.
He noted that electricity is a critical enabler of economic growth, supporting agriculture, manufacturing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other productive sectors.
According to him, creating a stable energy environment is essential for attracting investors and stimulating sustainable development.
“One of the strongest signals any government can send is a clear commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive,” he said.
The REA boss added that investments naturally flow to locations where opportunities are backed by reliable infrastructure and institutional confidence.
The summit brought together policymakers, investors, development partners and private sector leaders to explore strategies for unlocking sustainable economic growth in Jigawa State and across Nigeria.
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Vice President Kashim Shettima officially declared the investment summit open, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting strategic partnerships that support economic diversification, agricultural productivity and rural development.
The 7MW power initiative is expected to improve energy access for agricultural value chains, enhance processing capacity, increase export competitiveness and stimulate economic activities across the participating states.
