The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has announced plans to partner with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to tackle the acute energy deficit affecting communities across the North Central region.
This was disclosed during a strategic visit by the NCDC management team to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, in Abuja, where both agencies explored collaborative frameworks aimed at boosting energy access and driving inclusive development.
Representing the NCDC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, the Executive Director, Finance, Prof. Mohammad Bashar Nuhu, said both agencies share a common vision of fostering rural transformation and economic growth through reliable electricity supply.
Prof. Nuhu emphasized that the Commission is prioritizing investments in solar energy solutions to power critical sectors such as water supply, healthcare, agro-processing, irrigation, and rural social infrastructure. He added that the NCDC seeks to stimulate industrial growth by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and artisans dependent on electricity for their operations.
He urged REA to support the Commission with technical data, capacity building, and policy alignment to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient use of resources.
Also speaking, NCDC’s Executive Director, Projects, Princess Atika Ajanah, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to formalizing and sustaining the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In his response, REA Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the NCDC as a strategic and forward-looking institution whose mandate aligns with REA’s mission of expanding energy access. He acknowledged that energy deficit remains a major challenge in the North Central zone and expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the implementation of high-impact projects to unlock development potential across the region.
Engr. Abba revealed that REA is currently executing multiple electrification projects in the region but emphasized the need for broader interventions, including the establishment of solar battery manufacturing hubs and technical training centers to build local capacity and generate employment.
He assured the NCDC of REA’s full support and urged both agencies to expedite the signing of the MoU to fast-track joint interventions in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Source: North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Media
Date: November 7, 2025
