90 million Nigerians suffer access to electricity, says REA
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abba Aliyu, has highlighted the staggering reality that Nigeria holds the record for the highest number of people living without access to electricity globally, with an estimated 90 million citizens still experiencing darkness.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’, Aliyu emphasized that while this figure is alarming, the federal government is actively collaborating with the private sector to bridge the energy gap. He noted that over 70 million Nigerians now have access to electricity.
“Nigeria has the highest number of people without access to electricity, and this is the first time that I am seeing a government dealing with it,” he stated. “In the world, apart from India, there is no government that has devised a structure to get people out of electricity poverty like we are doing now.”
When questioned about the accuracy of the 90 million figure, Aliyu confirmed its validity, stating, “No, I am not contesting that. I am saying that we are addressing that number. Under the REA, we have provided electricity to 70 million people, and I can give you the data.”
He explained that the REA has initiatives in place aimed at providing electricity to an additional 17.5 million people as part of ongoing efforts. Aliyu also mentioned the upcoming presidential visit to Japan, which is expected to help bring electricity to another 1,830,000 Nigerians.
Aliyu outlined the agency’s strategy, which focuses on incentivizing the private sector to create commercially viable infrastructure, moving away from traditional government contracts. He noted, “We built the structure around the private sector. The minister of power is a finance guy, so we deployed commercially viable infrastructure.”
Highlighting successful projects, he pointed to mini-grids at Alex Ekwueme University and the University of Agriculture in Makurdi, which have been operational for over five years, as well as a substantial solar and hydro power project in Balanga, Gombe State, benefiting local agriculture.
Aliyu also reiterated the agency’s efforts to tap into renewable energy sources, such as solar, biomass, and wind, stressing that while solar remains the most economical option, there is a commitment to exploring wind power generation with the Nigerian Wind Council.
To ensure sustainability, the REA is developing a renewable asset management framework aimed at refurbishing and reintegrating failed projects into the energy ecosystem.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that verifiable data will be released post-program, reinforcing that the current strategy is intended to secure lasting access to electricity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Source: LEADERSHIP
