- Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to increase efforts to expand electricity access in Nigeria and approved a partnership with the National Economic Council (NEC) to involve state governors in electrifying rural areas.
- The REA secured a $750 million grant from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for rural electrification projects, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to linking electricity access with financial inclusion.
- Shettima criticised the REA’s public relations strategy and directed the agency to work with Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President, to present their plans at an NEC meeting, ensuring that governors are informed and supportive.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a significant increase in the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) efforts to expand electricity access in Nigeria. Shettima made this call during a meeting with REA officials at the State House in Abuja, including Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
Shettima approved REA’s request to partner with the National Economic Council (NEC). This partnership aims to involve state governors in the drive to electrify rural communities, enhancing the effectiveness of REA’s initiatives.
The REA recently secured a $750 million grant from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). This funding will support rural electrification projects across Nigeria. Shettima highlighted the crucial link between electricity access and financial inclusion, stressing the need for innovative approaches.
While praising the REA’s work, Shettima criticised its public relations efforts. He suggested that the agency needs a major overhaul in its PR strategy. “People need to know – Nigerians ought to know,” he said, emphasising the importance of better communication.
Shettima also directed the REA to work with Rukaiya El-Rufai, the President’s special adviser on NEC and Climate Change. El-Rufai will make a formal presentation at an NEC meeting. This step will ensure that governors receive information and support the electrification projects.
During the presentation, Aliyu outlined the agency’s funding sources. These include contributions from the World Bank, AfDB, the Electricity Market, and international development grants. He noted that he led a successful project funded by a previous $550 million grant.
Aliyu announced a new $750 million grant, marking a significant milestone. He highlighted upcoming projects, such as a 12-megawatt plant in Maiduguri. This plant will soon serve the University of Maiduguri and the Teaching Hospital. Plans also include extending the project to a local water treatment plant.
Under the new management, the REA is focusing on six strategic areas. The National Electrification and Strategic Implementation Plan (NESIP) is central to these efforts. NESIP aligns with the federal government’s sustainable and inclusive energy development goals. The plan aims to streamline coordination with subnational entities for effective implementation.
Shettima’s call for intensified efforts and better communication underscores the government’s commitment to improving electricity access in Nigeria. The REA’s new funding and strategic plans should be crucial in addressing the country’s energy needs.