Ministry, REA partner to deploy solar power to grazing reserves

By Felicia Imohimi

The Ministry of Livestock Development on Friday unveiled plan to deploy solar-powered grids across Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA),

The pilot phase of the programme will commence in Wawa-Zange in Gombe state, Wase in Plateau, Gongoshin in Adamawa and Kawu in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, before expanding nationwide, according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday in Abuja between the Ministry and REA.

“The initiative will bring wide-range benefits, including the provision of clean, renewable energy to power irrigation systems, improve year-round access to fodder and water, enhance education and healthcare, strengthen security, and create jobs,” Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha said during the signing of the MoU.

The Minister described the agreement as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to revitalise the livestock sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the Ministry’s partnership with REA for the initiative would transform pastoral livelihoods and unlock the full potential of the country’s grazing reserves.

He noted that millions of pastoralists and livestock keepers across the country especially in underserved communities will benefit from the intervention

“We are not just signing a document; we are ushering in a new era of sustainable development.

“For too long, the immense potential of Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves has been hindered by lack of infrastructure.

“By providing solar-powered grids to rehabilitated reserves, we are laying the foundation for a more secure, productive, and peaceful future.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, described the collaboration as “a marriage of convenience.

Aliyu specifically said that the agency’s mandate was to provide electricity to unserved and underserved communities.

“Partnering with the livestock ministry allows us to deploy solar infrastructure to grazing reserves with schools, clinics, abattoirs, and markets.

“This will catalyse livestock development, stimulate rural economies, and create job opportunities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr president.”

“This initiative demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to addressing resource-based conflicts, improving rural infrastructure and enhancing national food security through sustainable livestock development,” he said.

Dr Chinyere Akujobi, Permanent Secretary in the ministry said power was key in every sphere of life.

Akujobi, who described energy as central in livestock development, emphasised that “all our planned interventions across the livestock value chain required reliable power supply.

“None of the infrastructure we are putting in place like the Renewed Hope Villages to the grazing reserves under rehabilitation can function effectively without energy.

“Therefore this MoU with the REA represents a significant milestone in achieving our goals,” she said.

(NAN)