REA, Jigawa, NCX Partner to Power Seven Industrial Clusters

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jigawa State Government, the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX), and Astound Power Limited. This landmark agreement aims to deliver 7MW of power to seven Agro-Industrial Clusters spread across multiple states, marking a substantial public-private partnership.

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reliable electricity remains one of the most critical foundations for attracting investment, driving industrialization, and generating jobs across Nigeria.

The initiative, formalized at the Jigawa Investment Summit (J-Invest 2026), will provide essential energy infrastructure for irrigation systems and processing facilities within the clusters. These clusters are located in Jigawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Osun, and Ebonyi states. Concurrently, the NCX will facilitate the issuance of NCX-backed warehouse receipts to eligible farmers and aggregators, supporting their participation in export markets.

Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the REA, emphasized the foundational role of reliable electricity in attracting investment, driving industrialization, and fostering job growth throughout Nigeria. He stated that the MoU embodies a shared commitment to integrating clean energy with agriculture to bolster food security, create sustainable employment, and enhance economic value for farmers and rural communities.

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the MoU reflects a shared conviction that clean energy and agriculture must be integrated to effectively strengthen food security, create sustainable employment, and unlock greater economic value for local farmers and rural host communities.

Aliyu further underscored energy's critical function as a catalyst for business expansion and community prosperity. This collaboration is poised to strengthen the agricultural value chain and stimulate economic activity in the targeted regions by ensuring consistent power supply for industrial operations.

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energy is the vital catalyst enabling businesses to scale and communities to prosper.