REA to Launch 500 Power Projects in N170bn 2026 Budget

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has unveiled plans to execute 500 electrification projects as part of its N170 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. Managing Director Abba Aliyu disclosed this during a budget defense session organized by the House Committee on Rural Electrification in Abuja.

The budget includes N100 billion earmarked for the National Public Sector Solar Initiative, designed to provide sustainable and cost-effective electricity to government institutions. The agency aims to deploy hybrid mini-grids and solar home systems to reduce dependence on the national grid and cut energy costs for public facilities, such as hospitals.

Aliyu noted that the agency has achieved an 85% execution rate for its 2024 budget and expressed optimism about improving performance with additional fund releases. House Committee Chairman Moham Bukar commended the agency for its progress in expanding access to off-grid renewable energy interventions across rural communities, emphasizing the importance of oversight to ensure compliance with statutory mandates.