The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Power, shouldered with the responsibity to promote and provide electricity to unserved and underserved rural communities in Nigeria, to stimulate economic growth and improve living conditions.
REA, also has the mandate to increase access to electricity through grid extension and decentralized systems like mini-grids and solar home system, administering the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), and coordinating rural electrification programmes nationwide.
The agency, since establishment has deployed over 103 mini-grids, installed thousands of solar home systems, created thousands of jobs, and attracted significant private sector investment.
Just recently, On October 14, 2025 to be precise, the REA, through its new birthed initiative, Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, brought together renewable energy stakeholders from across the country; from innovators to financiers, from academia to regulators, from manufacturers to developers, to advance the nation’s energy transition.
The landmark event which also attracted a lot of global investors into the country, saw the signing and mobilization of over $400 million new investment into the nation’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain.
Nigeria, under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is unlocking an investment pipeline of over $410 billion between now and 2060, aimed at positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for renewable energy.
The plan is to leverage the country’s vast clean energy potential to drive industrial growth and sustainable development.
The government emphatically stated that the next generation of clean energy technologies, from solar panels to battery systems, would carry the label “Made in Nigeria.”
Disclosing that through the strategic partnerships and investment deals signed at the Forum, it would be bringing on stream nearly 4 gigawatts per annum of solar manufacturing capacity — equivalent to almost 80 percent of the nation’s current national generation capacity.
For instance, the deal between the REA-Sun King on import substitution via local production would allow Nigeria to build a self-sustaining clean energy economy and reduce import dependence by as much as $150 million over the next five years.
About $435 million renewable investment was signed between the REA and SNV of Netherlands which will be implemented by the Nigeria Solar Market Place in Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Beyelsa States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Through this initiative, about 500MW of solar power would be provided by the Renew Power Limited and 600MW by Tranos in Ogun State.
In Lagos State, Auxano Solar is providing 150MW, while about 500MW is expected from Tricell Solar Solutions, and 600MW from IRS Green Energy in Akwa Ibom state.
About 500MW would be generated by the Tricell Solar Solutions and 600MW from IRS Green Energy Limited in Kano. While PVG Solar Limited is expected to generate 500MW in FCT.
While speaking at the inaugural Forum, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, stated that about $23 billion will be required in the short term to expand energy access and connect millions of Nigerians who still live in energy poverty.
He said the investments are projected to create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states and reflect growing global confidence in Nigeria’s clean energy industrialisation drive.
The VP stated that the administration commitment to a Nigeria-based industrial strategy calls everyone to anchor the future of Africa’s renewable energy supply chains right here at home.
“From solar panel assembly lines in Lagos to battery recycling hubs along our industrial corridors, Nigeria must not only participate in this revolution but lead it,” he said.
Shettima commended the REA under the able leadership of the Managing Director, Engr. Abba Aliyu for translating the renewable energy policies into tangible impact across the nation’s communities, illuminating homes, empowering small businesses, and transforming lives in areas once left behind.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that the NREIF 2025 was not just another event, but a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead Africa’s renewable energy transformation.
Adding that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Power has worked tirelessly to translate ambition into policy and policy into action.
Together, he said the Ministry and REA are shifting the narrative from access to industrialization, and from deployment to domestic value creation.
On his part, the Managing Director of REA, Engr. Abba Aliyu, said Africa holds nearly 60% of the world’s best solar resources, but attracts less than 3% of global renewable energy investment. Therefore, it must convert this immense comparative advantage into competitive strength — by building industries, nurturing innovation, and driving the kind of local value creation that secures its place in the clean energy economy.
As for Nigeria, he said the moment is urgent, noting that the population is projected to exceed 250 million by 2030, with rising urbanization, industrial demand, and digital infrastructure needs — from data centres to electric mobility — all requiring sustainable and reliable energy.
According to him, the nation’s ambitious targets of achieving net-zero by 2060, Delivering 30GW of electricity by 2030, with at least 30% from renewables, And through the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and Energy Compact, committing to mobilize over $10 billion in clean energy investment this decade, have formed the backdrop against which the NREIF becomes not just timely — but essential, as platform to translate targets into investments, and investments into impact.
The theme for this year, “The Nigeria First Policy”, could not have come at a better time. Saying that “It captures our collective aspiration to domesticate the technologies, industries, and capabilities that will power our energy future.”
Engr. Aliyu said for years, Nigeria has deployed renewable energy systems in thousands of communities, institutions, and industrial clusters. But to secure long-term sustainability and economic competitiveness, it must now go further — to ensure that what it deploys is increasingly designed, assembled, and manufactured in Nigeria.
“At the Rural Electrification Agency, we see this shift as both a necessity and an opportunity. With an active project portfolio and pipeline exceeding $3 billion, spanning programs such as IMAS, REF, NEP, DARES, EEP, and the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), REA’s responsibility now extends beyond electrification.
“Our task is to ensure that this pipeline generates the highest possible domestic value — by catalyzing local industries, supporting innovators, and unlocking green jobs across the value chain.
“That is precisely why the NREIF was established — to bring together the entire renewable energy ecosystem: from innovators to financiers, from academia to regulators, from manufacturers to developers — all working together to ensure that Nigeria captures the full value of its energy transition,” he said.
