The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is intensifying efforts to provide electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians, according to its Managing Director, Abba Aliyu. Speaking during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration in Abuja, Aliyu emphasized the agency’s commitment to bridging the energy gap in underserved communities across the country.
Aliyu highlighted the scale of REA’s operations, noting that over 50 mini-grids have been deployed under the Rural Electrification Fund, while 11 more have been established through the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme. These efforts are complemented by the installation of transformers, power lines, and solar home systems.
He revealed that more than 10 million Nigerians have already benefited from REA’s initiatives over the past five years, particularly through the Nigeria Electrification Programme. With new projects underway, the agency expects to reach even more people in the near future.
Customer Service Week, Aliyu explained, serves as a moment of reflection and accountability for the agency. With over 80 million Nigerians still lacking reliable electricity, REA is evaluating its performance to ensure its services are timely, affordable, and impactful.
One notable success story comes from Balanga, Gombe State, where a farming community without electricity for over three decades is now being powered. In collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, REA is delivering 620 kilowatts of energy to support the area’s 11,000 hectares of wheat fields.
REA’s Executive Director of Technical Services, Umar Umar, shared that the agency has ramped up its activities significantly. In the past year alone, it delivered 40 megawatts of mini-grid power — the highest in a single budget cycle — alongside solar streetlights, home systems, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Doris Ubo, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, reported that REA had completed around 50 mini-grid projects between 2016 and 2022, and has now scaled up to over 124 nationwide. A new initiative targeting 3,700 communities aims to add 370 megawatts of clean energy and reach over 40 million people.
Corporate Services Executive Director, Ayo Adegboyega, reaffirmed REA’s mission to extend power to unserved regions. He noted that the agency is not only deploying mini-grids but also expanding existing grid infrastructure to connect more communities.
Adegboyega also spotlighted the Energising Education Programme, which provides dedicated power systems to tertiary institutions. Universities in Benin, Lagos, Ibadan, and Calabar have already benefited, with upcoming installations planned for Obafemi Awolowo University and several polytechnics.
Eworo Echeng, Acting Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, praised REA’s holistic approach to development. He stressed that beyond electricity, the agency’s work is about transforming lives. “Every project must ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to reliable power,” he said.
