- REA engaged 20 states to share new electricity access data and support sub-national implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.
- The agency’s national mapping shows Nigeria has the world’s largest electricity access gap, guiding mini-grid and grid extension plan.
The Rural Electrification Agency has engaged 20 states on a new roadmap to expand electricity access under the Electricity Act 2023. Managing Director and CEO Abba Aliyu disclosed the update during an interview on Tuesday, January 20.
The agency presented data on unelectrified and underserved communities to state governments. The goal is to support sub-national participation in power delivery and accelerate implementation of the Electricity Act.
Aliyu said the engagements help states identify electricity access gaps and determine the least-cost electrification options for communities. He explained that the agency completed a national mapping exercise that for the first time offers a comprehensive picture of electricity access across the country.
The mapping also includes demographic and socio-economic profiles of communities. This helps the agency determine the best electrification technologies for each location, including mini-grids, stand-alone systems or grid extensions.
Aliyu said Nigeria currently hosts the world’s largest population without electricity access. He estimated that 82–86 million people have no reliable power supply. Another 40 million technically have access but receive poor quality power from the grid.
The roadmap positions states as active players in electricity provision under the decentralised framework created by the Electricity Act. The law enables states to regulate and operate electricity markets within their jurisdictions.
The agency plans to support both access and reliability improvements through mini-grids, grid extensions and data-driven electrification planning. Aliyu said the Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan will serve as the main guide for state-level execution.