Shettima Hails REA-SAPZ Partnership to Power Agro-Industrial Zones, Boost Rural Economy
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has commended the strategic partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, describing it as a significant step toward expanding access to affordable electricity and accelerating agricultural transformation across Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA and SAPZ, the Vice President said the collaboration would strengthen power supply to agro-industrial processing centres nationwide, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima praised the African Development Bank (AfDB), the REA and the SAPZ programme for their shared commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions that will unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.
He also applauded the leadership of the Rural Electrification Agency for its dedication and innovative approach, noting that the successful implementation of the SAPZ initiative would serve as a catalyst for rural development and economic growth.
“The Federal Government welcomes this partnership and will continue to encourage collaborations that unlock Nigeria’s immense potential across various sectors, particularly agriculture,” he said.
The agreement provides a framework for joint project assessment, technical support and energy deployment across SAPZ locations under the REA’s Desert to Power (DTP) initiative.
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the partnership involving the African Development Bank, the Federal Ministry of Power and the REA as a milestone that would open a new chapter for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
According to him, the SAPZ programme is expected to tackle key challenges confronting farmers, bridge critical infrastructure gaps, increase agricultural productivity and improve the living standards of rural communities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the partnership, assuring stakeholders of the government’s determination to achieve its objectives in the power sector.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements, Managing Director of the REA, Engr. Abba Aliyu, said the agency has successfully completed 424 mini-grid electrification projects, while 693 additional projects are currently under construction across the country.
He disclosed that the proposed SAPZ partnership is expected to provide electricity to about 25,000 households, 13 health facilities, and directly benefit more than 103,000 people in each designated project location.
On his part, the National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, described inadequate electricity supply as one of the major obstacles to the programme’s successful implementation.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of mini-grids through the REA-led initiative would stimulate economic activities within agro-processing hubs while providing reliable and sustainable electricity to neighbouring communities.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by representatives of the Rural Electrification Agency and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme, marking the formal commencement of the electrification of SAPZ sites under Nigeria’s Desert to Power initiative.
Shettima Hails REA-SAPZ Partnership to Power Agro-Industrial Zones, Boost Rural Economy