The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has reacted to the appointment of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, as Chairman of the agency’s Governing Board, describing the development as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s rural electrification drive and accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy solutions across the country.
Aliyu welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that the incoming chairman’s wealth of leadership experience would complement the agency’s ongoing efforts to provide reliable electricity to underserved communities, stimulate economic growth, and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Furthermore, the REA Managing Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the new Governing Board to expand electricity access, improve rural livelihoods, and strengthen Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
A New Chapter for the Rural Electrification Agency
Abba Aliyu noted that leadership transitions provide institutions with fresh opportunities to build on previous achievements while pursuing new strategies capable of delivering greater impact.
Furthermore, he explained that the Rural Electrification Agency remains committed to its core mandate regardless of changes in leadership, adding that continuity, professionalism, and institutional collaboration remain essential to achieving national electrification goals.
According to him, the agency has continued expanding access to electricity through innovative projects, renewable energy investments, and partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders.
Strong institutions thrive through collaboration.
He expressed optimism that the new Governing Board would strengthen existing programmes while introducing fresh perspectives capable of supporting the agency’s long-term objectives.
Welcoming Experienced Leadership
Aliyu described Fayose’s appointment as an important addition to the agency’s leadership structure.
Furthermore, he stated that experienced public administrators bring valuable insights that can strengthen policy direction, improve stakeholder engagement, and enhance institutional performance.
The Managing Director stressed that successful organisations depend on constructive relationships between management and governing boards.
Mutual cooperation strengthens governance.
He therefore pledged the full cooperation of the agency’s management team in supporting the new chairman and other members of the Governing Board.
Commitment to Rural Electrification
The REA boss reiterated that expanding electricity access remains one of the Federal Government’s highest development priorities.
Furthermore, millions of Nigerians living in rural and underserved communities continue requiring reliable electricity to support education, healthcare, agriculture, small businesses, and industrial development.
The agency has therefore intensified efforts to deploy off-grid and grid-connected solutions capable of reaching communities that previously lacked access to dependable power supply.
Electricity transforms communities.
Aliyu maintained that improved energy access remains critical to reducing poverty and stimulating inclusive economic growth.
Expanding Renewable Energy Solutions
The Managing Director explained that renewable energy continues playing a central role in the agency’s strategy.
Furthermore, investments in solar mini-grids, standalone solar systems, hybrid power solutions, and other clean energy technologies have enabled the REA to extend electricity to communities beyond the reach of the national grid.
These projects not only provide electricity but also support schools, healthcare facilities, agricultural processing centres, markets, and small businesses.
Renewable energy promotes sustainable development.
Aliyu emphasised that the agency would continue prioritising environmentally responsible energy solutions capable of supporting long-term national development.
Strengthening Partnerships
According to the REA Managing Director, achieving universal electricity access requires strong collaboration among federal institutions, state governments, development partners, financial institutions, private investors, and local communities.
Furthermore, partnerships remain essential for mobilising investment, expanding infrastructure, sharing technical expertise, and accelerating project implementation.
He noted that the agency has continued attracting domestic and international support for rural electrification initiatives because of its commitment to transparency and measurable results.
Partnerships accelerate progress.
Aliyu expressed confidence that the incoming Governing Board would further strengthen stakeholder relationships across the energy sector.
Supporting Economic Development
The REA boss highlighted the broader economic impact of rural electrification programmes.
Furthermore, reliable electricity enables farmers to process agricultural products, supports manufacturing, improves healthcare delivery, enhances digital connectivity, and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Communities with stable electricity supply experience higher productivity, increased investment, improved educational outcomes, and stronger local economies.
Energy powers economic growth.
Aliyu stressed that expanding electricity infrastructure remains one of the most effective tools for reducing inequality between urban and rural communities.
Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Managing Director reaffirmed the agency’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Furthermore, expanding electricity access contributes directly to several national priorities, including industrialisation, job creation, digital transformation, agricultural productivity, improved healthcare, quality education, and poverty reduction.
The REA remains committed to delivering projects capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Development begins with infrastructure.
Aliyu assured stakeholders that the agency would continue implementing programmes that support sustainable national growth.
Looking Ahead
Abba Aliyu concluded by expressing optimism that the appointment of Ayodele Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency’s Governing Board would strengthen the institution’s ongoing efforts to deliver reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed the commitment of the agency’s management to maintaining professionalism, accountability, innovation, and strong collaboration with the new board as both leadership teams work towards achieving universal energy access across the country.
He stressed that with effective cooperation, sustained investment, supportive government policies, and continued stakeholder engagement, the Rural Electrification Agency remains well positioned to accelerate Nigeria’s electrification programme, stimulate rural economic transformation, improve the quality of life for underserved communities, and contribute significantly to building a more prosperous, energy-secure, and economically resilient nation.
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