Encouraging the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to intensify efforts in advancing Nigeria’s quest for universal electricity access, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of expanding power supply to benefit more Nigerians.
As part of the initiative, he approved REA’s proposal to collaborate with the National Economic Council (NEC) to engage state governors and work towards electrifying communities nationwide.
In a significant development, the agency announced the acquisition of a $750 million grant from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for rural electrification projects in Nigeria.
During a presentation on the National Electrification and Implementation Plan (NESIP) by a delegation from REA, led by the Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Vice President Shettima, who chairs the NEC, urged the agency to think innovatively and ambitiously.
Recognizing the crucial link between electricity access and financial inclusion highlighted in the presentation, Shettima pledged unwavering support from the Council and state governors to fulfill the Nigerian people’s aspirations for enhanced electricity access.
While commending REA for its commendable work across various sectors, the Vice President identified a need for improved public awareness, criticizing the agency’s inadequate efforts in informing Nigerians about their initiatives to tackle the electricity shortfall.
Addressing the REA delegation, Shettima emphasized the necessity of revamping the agency’s public relations management to boost visibility and ensure broader dissemination of information about their activities.
He cited the example of Borno State receiving 5 megawatts from the grid at one point, while a single plant now generates 12 megawatts for the University of Maiduguri and the Teaching Hospital, emphasizing the need for better public communication efforts.