Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) to intensify its efforts in accelerating Nigeria’s progress towards universal electricity access, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from consistent power supply.
This directive was given during a meeting with the REA delegation, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Abba Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the National Electrification and Implementation Plan (NESIP) was presented.
In a bid to enhance collaboration, Shettima granted REA’s request to partner with the National Economic Council (NEC) to facilitate access to state governors. This partnership aims to involve state leaders more directly in the national drive to electrify communities across Nigeria.
The Vice President commended REA for its outstanding work in the sector but also urged the agency to improve its public relations efforts. He highlighted the need for better communication and awareness campaigns to inform Nigerians about the ongoing initiatives to address the country’s electricity deficit.
“I appreciate your efforts, but we need to think outside the box and scale up our approach,” Shettima stated. “Nigerians must be made aware of your achievements, especially significant projects like the 12-megawatt plant in Maiduguri, which is about to be completed.”
He also tasked the REA management to engage the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, to make a formal presentation at an upcoming NEC meeting. This engagement is aimed at securing the commitment of state governors to the electrification projects.
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The REA delegation also shared updates on their funding sources, including a newly secured $750 million grant from the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) for rural electrification projects.
Aliyu, who previously managed a $550 million REA project funded by the same institutions, outlined the agency’s focus on six strategic areas, including the NESIP, which aligns with the federal government’s vision of sustainable and inclusive energy.
Shettima assured the REA of NEC’s full support, emphasizing the importance of achieving the aspirations of the Nigerian people for reliable electricity access.
