By Majeed Salaam
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced plans to implement more than 500 electrification projects across Nigeria in 2026, targeting rural communities, public institutions, and strategic economic hubs. The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to expand reliable and sustainable power supply nationwide.
Managing Director of the Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu, disclosed the plan last Friday during a briefing on the 2025 budget performance and 2026 budget defence session organised by the House Committee on Rural Electrification in Abuja. The Agency’s total budget proposal for 2026 stands at N170 billion, with N100 billion earmarked for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative. This flagship programme aims to provide sustainable electricity to government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Abuja and other regions.
“The N100 billion allocation will fund the deployment of hybrid mini-grids for MDAs, reducing dependence on the national grid and cutting operational energy costs,” Dr. Aliyu explained. Citing the National Hospital, Abuja, he highlighted that solar-powered infrastructure already installed there has improved service delivery while lowering energy expenditure.
The proposed projects encompass a mix of interventions tailored to community needs. Grid extension projects will connect households and businesses in settlements near existing power infrastructure. For agrarian and cottage industry communities, renewable-powered mini-grids will enhance economic productivity and value addition in agricultural processing clusters. In sparsely populated or hard-to-reach areas, the Agency plans to deploy standalone solar home systems to deliver power where grid or mini-grid access is not economically viable.
Dr. Aliyu emphasised that the Agency presented detailed plans for these projects to the National Assembly. Reflecting on past performance, he said the REA achieved an 85 percent execution rate for the 2024 budget. Despite low fund releases in 2025, the Agency has recorded 32 percent implementation in the current fiscal year, with expectations for improved performance as additional funds are disbursed.
Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Electrification, Hon. Mohammed Bukar, applauded the Agency for its progress in expanding energy access through off-grid and renewable energy solutions. “After detailed scrutiny of the agency’s submissions, the committee is satisfied with the explanations and supporting documentation presented,” he said.
Hon. Bukar commended the REA for adhering to procurement regulations, fiduciary safeguards, and development partner frameworks guiding its operations. He noted that legislative oversight will continue, including on-site assessments of project implementation. “Oversight is a critical pillar of accountability. We will ensure the REA remains aligned with its statutory mandate and national development priorities,” he stated.
The 2026 projects are expected to have far-reaching impact, including increased electricity access for rural communities, improved operational efficiency for public institutions, and support for economic activities in agro-processing and small-scale industries.
