Nigeria's REA MD Discusses Commitment to Electricity Access

In an interview, Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), discussed the Nigerian government's commitment to expanding electricity access across the country. The agency aims to implement a national electrification strategy that focuses on underserved communities, recognizing that each state has unique resources and socio-economic conditions.

Aliyu highlighted the need for a tailored approach to achieve universal electricity access, which requires significant investment estimated at $23.2 billion. He mentioned that the agency will assess states based on five parameters to determine their electrification levels and readiness.

The strategy includes various methods such as solar home systems and mini-grids, rather than solely extending the national grid. Furthermore, Aliyu emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for private sector investment to address electricity access challenges, advocating for a tripartite funding approach involving federal, state, and private sector contributions.