Vice President Kashim Shettima has approved the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) request to join the National Economic Council (NEC) and collaborate closely with state governors to ensure the success of rural electrification projects across Nigeria.
This decision was made during a presentation by the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the agency outlined its ongoing efforts and future plans to enhance electricity access in underserved areas.
The Vice President, who also serves as Chairman of NEC, stressed the importance of the REA’s integration into the council’s activities. He highlighted that by joining forces with the NEC and engaging state governors, the REA could better align its projects with state-level initiatives, ensuring a more cohesive and effective approach to electrifying rural communities.
“The REA’s integration into the NEC will allow for a more unified strategy in addressing the electricity needs of our rural communities,” Vice President Shettima remarked. “The involvement of state governors is crucial to the success of these projects, and I assure you of the full support of the Council and state governments in your efforts.”
Abba Aliyu expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s support, emphasizing that this collaboration would significantly enhance the agency’s ability to deliver on its mandate. He noted that the REA had secured a substantial $750 million grant from the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) to fund rural electrification projects, and that working closely with the NEC and state governors would be essential in deploying these funds effectively.
“Our goal is to ensure that every rural community in Nigeria has reliable and sustainable access to electricity. By joining forces with the NEC and state governors, we can ensure that our efforts are aligned with national and state priorities, leading to a more impactful and coordinated approach,” Aliyu stated.
The REA’s collaboration with the NEC is expected to streamline the implementation of key projects, such as the upcoming 12 megawatts plant in Maiduguri and the expansion of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), which aims to power federal universities and teaching hospitals with renewable energy.
Aliyu also assured the Vice President that the agency is committed to overcoming any challenges and accelerating the implementation of projects that will transform the energy landscape in rural Nigeria.
