New SSDC-REA MoU to Bring Jobs, Electricity to South-South

Communities across the South-South region are set to gain from a new partnership between the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), aimed at expanding electricity access and improving living standards. The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over the weekend at REA’s headquarters in Abuja to drive sustainable development.

SSDC Managing Director and CEO, Usoro Akpabio, said the initiative will directly impact residents by bringing reliable power to underserved towns and villages. She noted that electricity access will boost local businesses, create jobs, and enable schools, hospitals, and homes to function more effectively, fostering long-term socio-economic growth.

REA Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted that the partnership will focus on delivering power to rural and peri-urban areas, ensuring that communities previously left in the dark benefit from modern electricity infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of sustainable funding methods to maintain continuous service and expand reach.

Sir Marcus Nle Eji, Executive Director of Projects at SSDC, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives under the MoU. The collaboration is expected to lay a strong foundation for critical electricity projects, bringing tangible improvements to people’s daily lives while driving economic development across the South-South region.