REA addresses corruption allegations, highlights achievements: 1,403 projects completed in three years

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has responded to allegations of corruption and provided insight into its recent accomplishments, citing the completion of 1,403 projects and the empowerment of 7.5 million people with electricity under its capital budget from 2020 to the present.

Malam Muntari Ibrahim, the Director of Information, conveyed this information in a statement released in Abuja.

Despite the corruption claims, the agency emphasized its significant strides under the leadership of Managing Director Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad. Notable achievements during the specified period include providing electricity to 1.5 million households, executing 130 Mini-Grid projects, distributing 1.3 million standalone home systems, deploying 1,650km of solar street lights, and contributing to power enhancement, security, and economic growth in rural areas.

The statement explained the agency’s prior silence as a deliberate choice to focus on the proper processes, personnel, and a culture that prioritizes ethical conduct. In recent months, REA has collaborated closely with various stakeholders, such as the Ministry, National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and procedural organizations, to instigate further reforms within the agency. A thorough committee review, directed by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu, has been conducted to address the pertinent issues related to the alleged situation.

In addition to the completion of 1,403 projects, the REA has accomplished significant electrification and renewable energy initiatives, including the Energizing Education Program, Energizing Agriculture Program, Beyond COVID-19 program, and Economic Clusters program, resulting in the delivery of over 65MW of power across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Over the past decade, the agency has been instrumental in providing more than 500MW of power, electrifying numerous communities, creating 500,000 new jobs, and attracting over $2 billion in investments in the renewable energy sector. These achievements underscore the REA’s commitment to advancing electrification and sustainable energy solutions in the country.