The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has revealed that its clean energy programmes have attracted over ₦5.8 billion in private sector investment, significantly boosting energy access for underserved communities across Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, during the REF Call 3 Grant Award Signing Ceremony and Access to Finance Workshop held in Abuja. The event marked the signing of agreements with 58 energy companies to deploy solar mini-grids and solar home systems (SHS) across rural areas.
Aliyu, represented by Ayoade Adegboyega, the Executive Director of Corporate Services at REA, said the agency’s efforts had resulted in the deployment of 124 mini-grids, installation of over 25,580 SHS, and the empowerment of 18,013 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These interventions have impacted 183 communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that these initiatives have delivered 16.6 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, created over 26,000 jobs, and avoided 91,720 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, while drawing ₦5.8 billion in private investment. He described the achievements as more than statistics, calling them “stories of lives empowered, classrooms illuminated, and dual economies set into motion.”
The REA boss also noted that the agency had consistently demonstrated impact through earlier programmes like REF Call 1, Call 2, Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), Global Cleantech Innovation Programme, and De-risking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions. He said REF Call 3 would deepen access in hard-to-reach communities, catalyse MSME development, and support women-led businesses and agricultural value chains.
Aliyu issued a stern warning to developers about adhering to project timelines. “Prolonged deployment timelines will no longer be tolerated. Past delays, especially under IMAS, have taught us the need for strict adherence to the one-year project cycle,” he said. He urged developers to maintain transparent, timely communication, meet technical standards, and treat the implementation with “urgency and excellence.”
Also speaking at the event, Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Doris Uboh, said the fund was set up under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 and redefined by the Electricity Act of 2023. She described REF as a strategic financing arm of REA dedicated to “energising development” by targeting unserved and underserved populations.
Uboh said, “Our mission is to electrify the underserved, energise development, and build a future where no Nigerian is left in the dark.” She emphasised the public-private nature of the fund, which leverages government support and private sector innovation to deliver decentralised, sustainable energy solutions like mini-grids and SHS.
She stressed the importance of sustainability, urging developers to adhere to operational guidelines and ensure their projects can stand the test of time. “We fund what matters – 24-hour access to reliable electricity that enables productivity and social inclusion. We are not leaving any segment of society behind,” Uboh said.
The event comes at a time when the Federal Government is trying to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap, particularly in rural and off-grid communities. The REA’s strategy aligns with the government’s vision to build a cleaner, inclusive, and more economically vibrant energy sector.
