REA mobilises contractors to complete abandoned projects — MD
By Yunus Yusuf
Mr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) says the agency has mobilised contractors back to sites across the country to complete previously abandoned electricity projects.
Aliyu made the disclosure in an interview session with energy editors in Lagos during on the sidelines of the launch of Bellazir Energy Ltd.
He revealed that upon assuming office, he inherited a number of stalled projects, but assured that currently there were no abandoned projects under the agency’s supervision.
“One by one, we paid all outstanding debts to contractors, mobilised them back to their sites, and ensured completion. If any remains incomplete, it’s likely due to insufficient budget provision, not abandonment,” he said.
Aliyu also highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the REA to close electricity access gaps in Nigeria.
“Among them is the establishment of the Renewable Energy Asset Management Company, recently approved by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu.
“This company will hold large REA projects on its balance sheet and use that financial leverage to raise more funding.
“We are targeting close to N1 trillion to continue implementing critical projects across the country.
“REA is also pursuing the development of a Renewable Energy University,” he explained
Aliyu said feasibility studies were already underway, led by a consulting firm, as part of efforts to boost capacity-building and local expertise in the energy sector.
In addition, he outlined ongoing work under the Energising Education Programme Phase Three, which includes electrification of eight federal universities: the University of Yola, University of Port Harcourt, University of Uyo, Federal University of Technology Owerri and federal universities in Nasarawa and Lokoja, among others.
“We are also preparing for Phase Four, which will cover another eight institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, and universities in Taraba and Jigawa,” he added.
Speaking on local solar energy production, Aliyu said he visited a photovoltaic (PV) pane manufacturing plant in Ikotun, Lagos, as part of REA’s efforts to promote domestic production.
“There’s been debate over the federal government’s stance on PV panel importation. What we are championing is localisation,” he said.
“The Ikotun factory has a 100 megawatt capacity. We inspected their production line, quality control, and standards -2 all of which are promising. We’re working to support and replicate such investments across the country.”
On the launch of Bellazir Energy, Aliyu applauded the initiative, noting that the entry of a woman-led fuel distribution company is a significant step toward promoting gender inclusivity in the energy sector.
He also hinted on Bellazir’s future plans to expand into renewable energy.
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
