The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) says it is supporting 250,000 households with
electric mobility, mini-grids, home systems to boost electricity in the country.
Malam Mutari Ibrahim, Director Promotion and Outreach (PIO) made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
“In response to subsidy removal, REA is implementing interventions to develop electric mobility, mini-grids, distribute home systems.
”And deploy streetlights, potentially supporting up to 250,000 households in the coming year.
Ibrahim said that the agency has equally deployed over 1,650 Kilo Meter (KM) of solar streetlights, improving power, security, and economic growth in rural areas, ”he said.
He said that REA also completed 1,403 projects under the capital budget, delivering solar streetlights, mini-grid projects, standalone home systems, and grid extension works.
” Through various programmes, including Energisng Education Programme. Energising Agriculture Programme beyond COVID-19, and Economic Clusters, REA delivered over 65 Mega Watts (MW) of power across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
” REA has delivered over 500MW of power, electrified numerous communities, created 500,000 new jobs, and attracted over $2 billion in investments in the renewable energy sector over the past decade.
” In advancing these achievements we have established partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Global Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP),”he said.
Other partnership secured are with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sustainable Energy for ALL (SE4ALL), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF).
He said that the agency also secured partnership with the European Union, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
”United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Korean Institute of Advancement of Technology (KIAT)
”In 2022, as part of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS) Program, REA secured an additional 4 billion in capital injection grants.
”To provide clean power standalone home systems to over 50,000 locations, including rural homes, micro-businesses, schools, and faith-based institutions,”he said.
Ibrahim said that from 2020 to date, REA has provided power to over 7.5 million people including 1.5 million households, delivering 130 Mini-Grid Projects, including 1.3 million standalone home systems.
He said that most recently, the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), REA negotiated and secured the advance approval of a $750 million facility with the World Bank to expand renewable and rural electrification initiatives, providing additional resources to Nigeria during a challenging period.
Ibrahim said that Mr Salihijo Ahmad, the current Managing Director of the agency, has been a steadfast leader who has tirelessly guided REA through challenging times.
” Even in the face of internal, external pressures, and resistance to anti-corruption efforts.
”Upon assuming the role of MD at REA, Ahmad encountered a myriad of unresolved staff issues within the agency.
”Recognising the immense challenge of repositioning the agency for effective project delivery, human resources became a pivotal consideration. In response,
”He wasted no time in addressing concerns related to the organisation’s processes, structure, and staff welfare, with the aim of fostering a conducive work environment for optimal performance,”he said.
According to him, his first step was to initiate a comprehensive institutional assessment and appraisal of the agency, carried out by a globally renowned organisational re-engineering firm.
He said that the assessment rigorously evaluated the agency’s project delivery, institutional structure, and processes to determine its capacity to meet its mandate.
”The recommendations from the assessment were meticulously reviewed and approved by the agency’s board and the minister before being put into action, resulting in significant accomplishments.
”Over the past few months, we have collaborated closely with the ministry of power ,national assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and process organisations to initiate further reforms within REA, despite numerous obstacles,”he said.
Ibrahim said that the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu directed a thorough committee review of the relevant issues that have influenced the agency”s response to the alleged situation.
‘He said that the agency can confirm that recent publications accurately reflect that some members of staff have been redeployed, suspended, or are under investigation due to process deficiencies and a prevalent lack of accountability.
”To keep it concise, the most significant change is the redeployment of the Director of the Funds and Accounts Department – a seconded officer from the Office of the Accountant General.
”The allegation leveled against the then director is undergoing investigation by the anti-graft authorities including the core REA staff alleged to be involved.
”This marks a significant step forward, as it demonstrates the agency’s commitment to accountability,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)