- REA is executing programmes to power at least 17.5 million Nigerians, deploying over 124 mini-grids and expanding solar access nationwide.
- The agency has already impacted more than 10 million Nigerians through projects under the Nigeria Electrification Programme and other renewable energy schemes.
Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has announced that the agency is executing projects aimed at delivering electricity access to no fewer than 17.5 million Nigerians.
He made this known in Abuja during an interview on Wednesday, October 8, following the agency’s 2025 Customer Service Week celebration in partnership with SERVICOM.
Aliyu stated that the REA has already rolled out many mini-grids, transformers, and solar home systems across Nigeria. “We are implementing programmes to reach 17.5 million Nigerians. That is an audacious goal. Under the Rural Electrification Fund, we have deployed over 50 mini-grids. Through the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme, we have deployed 11 more, along with transformers, power lines, and solar systems,” he said.
He added that the agency had already impacted more than 10 million Nigerians over the past five years through the Nigeria Electrification Programme, while the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme, launched three years ago, has delivered several completed and commissioned projects.
Speaking on the importance of Customer Service Week, Aliyu described it as a period for self-evaluation and accountability, noting that the REA’s mission is to provide reliable electricity to the over 80 million Nigerians still without power. “This week helps us reflect on whether our services are timely, affordable, and impactful. We are proud of our progress, which aligns with the President’s goal to expand electricity access nationwide,” he said.
He shared an example from Balanga, Gombe State, where a community without electricity for over 30 years is now electrified. “We are working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to provide 620 kilowatts of power to a farming community with over 11,000 hectares of wheat fields,” he said.
REA’s Executive Director of Technical Services, Umar Umar, confirmed that the agency had implemented numerous projects since its establishment in 2007, including grid extensions, transformer installations, and mini-grid deployments. “In the past year, we delivered 40 megawatts of mini-grid power, the highest in a single budget year, and installed solar home systems, streetlights, and EV charging points,” he said.
The Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Ubo, stated that the REA had grown from 50 mini-grid projects between 2016 and 2022 to over 124 nationwide. “We are developing interconnected and isolated mini-grids and solar home systems to reach last-mile communities. Our latest project targets 3,700 communities, adding 370 megawatts of clean energy and impacting over 40 million people,” Ubo said.
The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ayo Adegboyega, reaffirmed that the REA’s mandate is to bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap by expanding grid and off-grid power solutions.“We continue to deploy mini-grids nationwide and extend existing grids to reach more communities. The feedback from beneficiaries has been encouraging,” he noted.
Adegboyega also highlighted the Energising Education Programme, which provides captive power to universities and polytechnics. “We have delivered power to the University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and University of Calabar, and are extending the programme to Obafemi Awolowo University and several polytechnics,” he said.
The Acting Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, and REA Servicom Nodal/Focus Officer, Eworo Echeng, praised the agency’s commitment to improving rural livelihoods through sustainable electrification.
“As we celebrate Customer Service Week, we recognise those driving impact across communities. Our role goes beyond power delivery; it’s about transforming lives and ensuring every Nigerian enjoys reliable electricity,” he said.