By Chioma Amajor
In Nigeria, where approximately 40% of the population lacks reliable access to electricity especially in rural areas, the demand for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. Recently, the Renewed Hope Dialogue served as a forum for Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to showcase its ongoing work to expand energy access, aligned with the national agenda for sustainable development.
A Mission to Empower and Electrify
The REA’s mission is as ambitious as it is straightforward: to provide electricity to underserved communities across Nigeria, while empowering these areas to stimulate local economic growth. Abba Aliyu Abubakar, the acting managing Director Rural Electrification Agency, emphasizes that REA’s role is not only to bring light to communities but to fuel productive livelihoods. “Electricity should serve as a catalyst for economic progress, helping communities flourish,” Abubakar noted.
Pioneering Off-Grid Energy Solutions
To bridge Nigeria’s energy gap, the REA is prioritizing off-grid solutions. This strategy allows for the establishment of localized power systems in areas where traditional infrastructure would be economically unfeasible. Providing electricity in rural Nigeria can be costly, with transmission lines alone costing up to $1.5 million per kilometer. In response, REA has opted to create localized generation and distribution systems, making it viable to supply energy where demand ranges from just 10 kilowatts to one megawatt.
REA is harnessing Nigeria’s renewable energy resources, from solar and wind to micro-hydro power. “We’re also exploring urban waste-to-energy technologies, which further enhance our capacity to electrify communities,” Abubakar explained. These strategies not only make rural electrification possible but also align with sustainable development goals.
Legislative Momentum: The Electricity Act of 2023
A significant step in the REA’s journey was the signing of the Electricity Act of 2023. This legislation is designed to drive investment in the electricity sector, allowing local governments and private entities to play active roles. By opening up the sector, the act provides a framework for public-private partnerships, encouraging a collaborative approach to electricity development.
“By inviting diverse players, we can create a holistic ecosystem that benefits everyone—local communities, investors, and the government,” noted Abubakar. This cooperative model is crucial for building a sustainable energy future.
Progress and Goals for Nationwide Electrification
The REA has already made impressive strides, both in expanding energy access and improving local economies. As part of its mission, the agency is working on a National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan, designed in collaboration with the Honourable Minister of Power. This roadmap will coordinate efforts across Nigeria to bring electricity to unserved and underserved areas.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a framework that fulfills the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring reliable electricity for all Nigerians,” Abubakar said. Through this strategic planning, REA aims to bring light—and opportunity—to every corner of the country.
Strategic Partnerships: Empowering States and Communities
Central to the REA’s mission is collaboration with state governments, private sector developers, and local leaders. In a recent session with the Executive Governor of Katsina State, REA shared early data on the state’s electrification needs. The partnership aims to deploy 850 mini-grids, projected to provide power for 1.5 million residents.
Private sector developers are playing an essential role in this endeavor. In Katsina alone, companies have committed to building around 50 mini-grids. This willingness to invest underscores the success of the REA’s partnership model, which is designed to incentivize rural electrification.
Historic Funding Initiatives: Powering Progress for Millions
One of the REA’s most ambitious initiatives aims to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians through a combination of interconnected mini-grids, isolated mini-grids, and standalone systems. “This initiative represents one of the world’s largest public sector-funded electrification projects, which will significantly reduce energy poverty in Nigeria,” stated Abubakar.
The REA’s funding strategy includes a $750 million government subsidy to improve infrastructure in rural areas. Private sector investments, anticipated to reach $1.1 billion, will complement this effort. These investments have received considerable backing, including $100 million from the International Finance Corporation, with additional contributions from local banks and organizations like C4ALL.
Energizing Education: Empowering Future Leaders
The Energizing Education Initiative (EEI) is one of REA’s flagship projects, designed to bring reliable power to federal universities and teaching hospitals. In Phase Two, seven universities and two teaching hospitals have already been connected to mini-grid systems, including a 12-megawatt grid at Maiduguri and a 9-megawatt system at the University of Calabar.
Each of these institutions benefits from not only power but also renewable energy training centers, where students can gain hands-on experience in renewable technologies. “This isn’t just about electricity; we’re also creating a talent pipeline for the renewable sector, with a special focus on training female STEM students,” said Abubakar. Phase Three of the initiative, which includes eight universities and a teaching hospital, is set to launch shortly.
Agricultural Electrification: Powering Nigeria’s Economy
Recognizing the synergy between electricity and agriculture, the REA has launched the Energizing Agriculture Program. By introducing solar-powered irrigation and mini-grids, the program helps farmers improve productivity year-round. The REA has also piloted post-harvest solutions like solar drying machines and electric tricycles, aimed at reducing losses and improving transport efficiency.
Community Engagement: Building Local Ownership
The REA understands that sustainable electrification requires strong local support. To this end, the agency has established Rural Electricity User Cooperative Societies, which train community members in asset management and maintenance. Partnering with NGOs like Mercy Corps, the REA empowers local residents to manage and protect their electrical infrastructure.
Overcoming Challenges: The Road Ahead
While the REA has made considerable progress, challenges remain. Securing ongoing funding and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders are ongoing priorities. To bolster its efforts, the REA is actively pursuing partnerships with institutions like the African Development Bank and the Japanese International Development Corporation.
Looking ahead, the REA’s goal is to electrify all remaining unserved areas before 2027. This ambitious timeline underscores the government’s commitment to closing Nigeria’s electricity gap and driving economic development.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Vision for a Bright Future
As the REA continues its mission to electrify Nigeria’s rural communities, its emphasis on partnerships, sustainable energy, and economic empowerment is paving the way for a brighter future. Through a combination of innovative projects, government support, and community engagement, the REA is not only bringing light to underserved areas but also fostering lasting economic growth and transforming lives across the nation.
With a shared commitment to sustainable energy, Nigeria can look forward to a future where electricity reaches every community, sparking growth, innovation, and opportunity for all.
