Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has formally assumed office as chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency. He pledged to help strengthen the agency’s capacity to deliver electricity to underserved communities across Nigeria.
According to Vanguard, Fayose was inaugurated in Abuja on Friday by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, alongside other members of the REA governing board. His appointment was made by President Bola Tinubu. This was part of changes aimed at strengthening leadership and oversight within the agency.
Other officials inaugurated included Ahmadu Abubakar, Ilyasu Makinta and three additional non-executive directors. In addition, Abba Aliyu was formally installed as the agency’s managing director.
Fayose REA chairman role begins with funding push
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Fayose thanked President Tinubu for the appointment. He said his focus would be on giving the agency the political support needed to improve its performance.
He said one of his immediate priorities would be to help attract the funding required for REA projects. In addition, he added that consultations had already begun with relevant stakeholders.
“My mission in REA is to take the agency to greater heights by providing the needed political will,” Fayose said.
He added that the new board would work to ensure the agency receives enough support to execute both short-term and long-term programmes. These programmes are aimed at expanding electricity access across the country.
Fayose also assured Nigerians that the expectations surrounding his appointment would not be disappointed. He said the board would work towards supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He noted that electricity challenges in Nigeria are particularly severe in rural communities. Furthermore, he argued that the agency’s work goes beyond simply providing power.
According to him, improving access to electricity could have a direct impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians. These are people living in communities that remain poorly connected to the national grid.
Minister calls for focus on communities, not megawatts
Tegbe, while addressing the new board, said the government must begin to assess progress in the power sector by looking at the number of people and communities gaining access to electricity. This is rather than focusing only on generation figures.
“We are moving from just counting kilowatts and megawatts to how many communities and people were powered in the country,” the minister said.
He described the REA as an important part of Nigeria’s electricity sector because its work affects education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and wider economic development.
Tegbe said every mini-grid, solar home system, electrified market, school, health centre or farm represents more than an energy project. In fact, it also contributes to economic inclusion and improved living standards.
He explained that the agency’s role has become even more important as the Federal Government continues to implement the Electricity Act. There are also wider reforms across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
REA urged to deepen grassroots impact
The minister said REA must serve as a bridge between national electricity policies and the communities expected to benefit from them.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that electricity reforms are felt not only in major cities. They must also be felt in remote and underserved parts of the country.
Tegbe also said the inauguration of the board reflects President Tinubu’s emphasis on stronger governance, accountability and strategic oversight in government institutions.
He urged the board members to prioritise transparency, innovation and prudent management of public resources. Furthermore, he encouraged seeking stronger partnerships with development organisations and private investors.
Tegbe said the board should constantly assess whether its decisions improve the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. He described that as the most important measure of success.
REA promises wider electricity access
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu also thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve. He said the agency would continue efforts to expand electricity access to communities that remain unserved or underserved.
He said the agency would rely on its rural electrification and off-grid programmes to extend power to more parts of the country.
The inauguration marks the formal beginning of the new board’s tenure. Fayose is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight as the agency pushes to expand electricity access and support economic activities in rural communities.
