The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in a move aimed at expanding access to reliable and sustainable electricity across the Niger Delta region.
A statement signed and issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,
Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC stated that the agreement, signed at the headquarters of the REA in Abuja, underscores renewed efforts by both federal interventionist agencies to strengthen institutional collaboration and accelerate development in underserved communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the pact as a strategic step towards fulfilling the Commission’s vision to “light up the Niger Delta” and align with national priorities on distributed energy expansion.
According to him, the agreement goes beyond a formal document and represents a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that will enhance livelihoods, stimulate local economies and broaden opportunities across the nine Niger Delta states.
“Electricity remains a critical enabler of national development. It supports job creation, healthcare delivery, education and inclusive economic growth,” Ogbuku said, noting that the collaboration would help unlock the economic potential of rural communities while advancing broader national development objectives.
He added that the NDDC has consistently adopted partnership-driven approaches in executing projects in the region and is prepared to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its community presence, planning expertise and infrastructure development capacity.
Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure timely and effective execution of the agreement.
The NDDC delegation included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; Director, Legal Services, Mr Victor Arenyeka; Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs Kunemofa Asu; and Director, Liaison Office Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two agencies with complementary mandates.
Aliyu said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to reliable and sustainable electricity in rural and underserved communities, while leveraging renewable energy solutions to stimulate economic growth and improve social services.
“This is more than a document. It is a clear statement of readiness to move decisively in delivering reliable and sustainable power to communities that have waited too long for stable electricity,” he said.
He emphasised that the Niger Delta remains central to Nigeria’s economic fortunes and must be supported by infrastructure capable of driving productivity, enterprise and improved living standards.
Aliyu also commended the leadership of the NDDC for advancing the collaboration and demonstrating commitment to its implementation.
