Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to intensify its efforts in advancing Nigeria’s progress towards universal electricity access.
Speaking at a recent meeting with REA representatives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Shettima emphasised the need for swift action to ensure that rural communities across the country gain access to reliable electricity.
In response to REA’s request, Vice President Shettima granted the agency permission to partner with the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs. This partnership will facilitate direct engagement with state governors, enabling more effective coordination in electrifying communities nationwide.
The REA also announced a significant boost to its funding, having secured a $750 million grant from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for rural electrification projects across Nigeria. This funding marks a major step forward in the agency’s mission to bring electricity to underserved areas.
According to a statement from Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Vice President Shettima assured the REA delegation, led by Managing Director (MD), Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, of full support from the NEC and state governors. He stressed the importance of the partnership in achieving the country’s electrification goals.
During the presentation, Mr. Aliyu outlined the agency’s funding sources, which include the World Bank, the AfDB, the Electricity Market’s excess revenue, and grants from international development agencies. Mr. Aliyu noted that prior to his current role, he led the project management unit responsible for implementing a $550 million REA project, also funded by the World Bank and AfDB.
Mr. Aliyu highlighted the significance of the newly secured $750 million grant, describing it as the largest public sector-funded project and implementation under REA’s purview. He expressed optimism that this project would greatly enhance the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Vice President Shettima’s call to action and the substantial financial backing from international partners underscore the Nigerian government’s commitment to achieving widespread rural electrification, a critical component of the nation’s broader economic development strategy.
