The Federal Government, through the *Rural Electrification Agency (REA)*, has intensified its drive to provide electricity to 86 million Nigerians currently without access to power, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking at the *Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall Conference*, REA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, *Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu*, outlined the agency’s transformative initiatives to bridge the nation’s energy gap.
Aliyu announced that the agency is set to achieve a historic milestone with the simultaneous commissioning of 19 and 21 mini-grids in Plateau and Nasarawa States, respectively. He described this as a landmark achievement in the administration’s push to expand access to clean and reliable electricity for underserved communities.
In a further boost to the sector, Aliyu revealed that the Federal Government is injecting $3 billion into various electrification projects, a move expected to significantly enhance power supply while creating substantial job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
To complement these efforts, he disclosed that plans are underway to establish assembly plants in Abuja and Lagos for the local production of energy infrastructure. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports and aid industrial growth.
Aliyu also noted that REA is collaborating with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) to maximise project impact. *ECN’s Director-General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi*, further reinforced the partnership during the conference.
Commending the REA boss for his leadership, the *Chairman and Chief Host of the conference, Ambassador Joseph Kolawole Adebola MNIM; MCICN*, lauded the agency’s role in advancing the government’s electrification agenda. He also acknowledged the commitment of participants and VIP guests, emphasising their contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Adebola urged Nigerians to support the administration’s ongoing reforms, highlighting recent economic improvements. “We must recognise the progress being made. The reduction in food and fuel prices attests to the effectiveness of government policies, and Nigerians should remain patient as more positive outcomes emerge,” he stated.
The conference attracted high-profile attendees, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Director of Protocol, Dr. Isaiah Niniola, and other dignitaries.
*©️ Renewed Hope Global Virtual TownHall Conference*
