The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has made significant progress in enhancing Nigeria’s renewable energy framework by collaborating with a group of nine Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs). This initiative aims to provide electricity to over 100,000 underserved households through the introduction of modular mesh-grid technology, marking a pioneering effort in Nigeria’s grant-funded energy initiatives.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, highlights the federal government’s dedication to energy transition, security, and accessibility, especially in remote communities where conventional grid expansions and mini-grid options are impractical.
Under the guidance of Abba Aliyu, the REA is utilizing this cutting-edge technology to deliver a reliable power supply with an impressive uptime of over 98%, exceeding industry benchmarks. This initiative also supports various productive applications, including water pumping, refrigeration, small-scale milling, and electric cooking.
This collaboration is in line with the broader goals of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program, which aims to add an extra 948MW from renewable sources, thereby decreasing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and bolstering the nation’s clean energy strategy.
Moreover, the REA has established a $200 million partnership with WeLight, a pan-African renewable energy firm, to implement numerous mini-grids in rural and peri-urban regions. This investment is anticipated to expedite the federal government’s objective of increasing the proportion of renewables in Nigeria’s energy mix from 22% to 50%, delivering sustainable energy solutions to millions of Nigerians.
To further promote sustainability, the REA is in the process of creating a renewable asset management company aimed at ensuring the long-term success of electrification initiatives. This organization will manage essential infrastructure worth nearly $500 million, which includes solar hybrid plants that supply power to universities nationwide through the Energizing Education Programme.
These advancements occur as the agency, led by Managing Director Abba Aliyu, amplifies its efforts to close Nigeria’s energy access gap. Aliyu, who possesses significant expertise in energy policy and project execution, has played a key role in obtaining funding and forming partnerships that facilitate large-scale electrification efforts.
Through programs like the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) and the Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP), the REA is not only enhancing power accessibility but also stimulating economic development in rural regions by linking electricity to productive applications.
