By Abasi Ita
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide electricity access to all rural communities across the South-South region.
The initiative was announced by the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, after a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ms. Akpabio said the project aims to bridge the region’s energy gap and stimulate economic growth through clean and sustainable power solutions. She emphasized that the initiative would not only light up rural and riverine communities but also support agricultural and processing clusters, schools, health centers, and small businesses.
According to her, “Our goal is to empower the people of the South-South by improving energy access and creating opportunities for development. Through this partnership with REA, we will transform the energy landscape of the region while promoting youth training and job creation in the clean energy sector.”
Ms. Akpabio also commended the leadership of Engr. Aliyu and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to deliver impactful and transformative energy projects.
In his response, the REA Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, lauded the SSDC for its vision and dedication to advancing regional development. He pledged the agency’s full support for the initiative, noting that several REA projects already exist in the South-South region and would serve as a solid foundation for the collaboration.
He highlighted completed and ongoing REA projects such as solar hybrid mini-grids, electrification of schools and healthcare facilities, and market power projects, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region.
Both agencies agreed to establish a joint working group to fast-track the project’s implementation, with a special focus on renewable energy development, youth empowerment, and job creation in the clean energy sector