The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has mobilised contractors back to sites nationwide to complete previously stalled electricity projects, according to its Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu.
Aliyu made this known on Wednesday in Lagos during a media interaction on the sidelines of the launch of Bellazir Energy Ltd.
He stated that upon assuming office, he inherited several stalled projects, but emphasised that no project currently under the agency’s supervision is considered abandoned.
“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 outlined various ongoing REA initiatives aimed at bridging Nigeria’s electricity access gap, including the creation 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 added.
He said feasibility studies were ongoing, led by a consulting firm, to support capacity-building and develop local expertise in the sector.
Aliyu also detailed progress under the Energising Education Programme Phase Three, which involves electrifying eight federal universities, including those in Yola, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Owerri, Nasarawa and Lokoja. Phase Four, he noted, would extend to institutions such as 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.
Speaking on domestic solar panel production, Aliyu referenced his recent visit to a photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing plant in Ikotun, Lagos.
“There’s been debate over the federal government’s stance on PV panel importation. What we are championing is localisation,” he said.
He described the factory’s 100-megawatt capacity and quality assurance as promising, and expressed optimism about replicating similar investments across the country.
Commenting on the launch of Bellazir Energy, Aliyu commended the initiative, describing the establishment of a woman-led fuel distribution company as a notable stride towards gender inclusion in the energy industry. He also noted the company’s plans to explore renewable energy ventures.
(NAN)