The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving 100% electricity access across Nigeria by the year 2030.
Speaking on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Aliyu underscored the critical role of collaboration between the REA and state governments in addressing Nigeria’s persistent energy access challenges.
Aliyu emphasized that these engagements reflect the increasing commitment of state leaders to expanding electricity coverage in rural and underserved areas. He noted that strengthening the REA’s partnership with subnational governments is a crucial step toward achieving the national goal of universal electricity access.
In a statement shared on his official X handle, Aliyu highlighted that discussions with the governors, alongside Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), focused on scaling up decentralized renewable energy solutions. The deliberations also centered on the implementation of cost-effective and sustainable electrification projects tailored for communities that currently lack reliable access to electricity.
“If we maintain this momentum, we will undoubtedly fulfill Mr. President’s vision of achieving 100% electricity access by 2030,” Aliyu stated, expressing confidence in the government’s roadmap toward electrification.
Key outcomes of the meeting included the governors reaffirming their strong commitment to rural electrification efforts, pledging to align their respective state-level energy initiatives with REA’s broader strategic objectives. This coordination, Aliyu explained, is expected to accelerate the implementation of electrification programs and enhance service delivery to communities most in need.
Additionally, both governors committed to strengthening collaboration between the REA and their respective State Ministries of Power/Energy. This partnership will facilitate the creation of a supportive policy and regulatory environment that ensures the seamless execution of electrification projects while attracting private sector investments in renewable energy.
Aliyu further stressed the importance of empowering local communities by increasing public awareness of renewable energy solutions and encouraging community participation in the implementation of electrification projects. He cited the success of the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS) as an example of how localized approaches can drive sustainable energy solutions.
“These engagements reaffirm the REA’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy transformation, ensuring that state-level initiatives complement federal policies to drive sustainable, community-led electrification efforts,” he stated.
He also highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s electricity market de-monopolization, noting that the shift has ushered in an era of increased competition and subnational-led innovations that are accelerating private-sector investments in energy expansion.
“With the de-monopolization of Nigeria’s electricity market, we are witnessing an era of competitive, subnational-led innovations that will fast-track private-sector investments and energy expansion,” he stated.
The REA Managing Director further emphasized that by deepening collaboration between the REA, state governments, and private sector stakeholders, the country is not just closing energy access gaps but also laying the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for all Nigerians.
“Together, we will deliver universal electricity access and unlock socio-economic opportunities for millions,” he concluded.