The Federal Government has announced the mobilisation of contractors to resume and complete all previously abandoned rural electrification projects across the country.
This was revealed by Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), during a media chat at the launch of Bellazir Energy Limited in Lagos on Tuesday.
Aliyu stated that while he inherited numerous stalled projects possibly close to 1,000 none remain abandoned as of today.
“We met a number of abandoned projects. I’m not sure if they are up to a thousand. But as of today, there is no single abandoned project,” Aliyu said. “We have paid outstanding dues, mobilised contractors back to sites, and completed the projects. Some may be incomplete due to limited budget provisions, but none are abandoned.”
Major Initiatives and Renewable Energy Push
Aliyu outlined several bold initiatives underway at the agency to close Nigeria’s electricity access gap, including a planned ₦1 trillion funding drive backed by a new energy asset company.
“The Honourable Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has approved the establishment of the Renewable Energy Asset Management Company. It will warehouse large-scale REA projects and leverage its balance sheet to raise more capital potentially up to ₦1 trillion for further implementation,” he said.
He also mentioned other initiatives including:
Establishment of a Renewable Energy University (currently undergoing feasibility study)
Energising Education Phase Three, covering 8 universities nearing completion
Plans for Phase Four, targeting another 8 institutions
The universities involved in Phase Three include:
University of Yola
University of Port Harcourt
University of Uyo
Federal University of Technology, Imo
Federal Universities in Nasarawa and Lokoja
Phase Four is expected to cover:
Obafemi Awolowo University
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Ahmadu Bello University
University of Benin
Federal Universities in Taraba and Jigawa
Local Solar Panel Manufacturing Gets Federal Backing
Aliyu also addressed ongoing efforts to boost local manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, revealing his recent inspection of a PV production plant in Ikotun, Lagos, with a 100MW production capacity.
“There’s been debate over whether the federal government plans to ban PV panel imports. Our priority is localisation. We’ve inspected a factory here and are impressed by the quality control and production standards. We’re committed to encouraging more of such investments,” he said.
Bellazir Energy and Gender Inclusion
Commenting on the launch of Bellazir Energy Limited, Aliyu described the new company as a step forward in promoting gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He added that Bellazir intends to expand into the renewable energy space, aligning with broader federal goals of sustainable and inclusive energy access.
