REA electrifies 8.8m Nigerians, creates 120,747 jobs in three years — Essiet. By Adewale Adebayo
REA electrifies 8.8m Nigerians, creates 120,747 jobs in three years — Essiet.
By Adewale Adebayo
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements in the North Central, Hon. Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has commended the remarkable progress recorded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), describing its achievements over the past three years as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards universal energy access and inclusive national development.
Essiet, who spoke after reviewing the REA Energy Access Compendium (2023–2026), said the Agency’s performance reflected the Federal Government’s deliberate commitment to bridging the energy gap in rural communities through sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
According to the report, the REA completed 340 mini-grid projects between 2023 and 2026, with a combined installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 145,186 kWp.
The projects, the report stated, expanded electricity access to 8,868,568 Nigerians through 1,509,351 new electricity connections, significantly improving the quality of life in underserved communities across the country.
The compendium further revealed that the interventions directly connected 1,478,095 households, empowered 29,187 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and electrified 2,069 public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities.
Beyond expanding access to electricity, the projects generated 120,747 direct jobs across the renewable energy value chain, thereby stimulating local economies and creating new livelihood opportunities.
Essiet noted that the nationwide spread of the projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory demonstrated the Agency’s commitment to equitable development and ensuring that no community was left behind in Nigeria’s energy transition.
She said the achievements aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its objectives of promoting economic growth, improving social services, strengthening productive sectors and expanding opportunities through reliable and clean energy.
Describing electricity as a catalyst for development rather than merely a public utility, Essiet expressed optimism that the REA would sustain the momentum until universal energy access becomes a reality for every Nigerian community.
