The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has identified the provision of solar-powered energy to public institutions as a central focus of its agenda for the 2025 fiscal year.
The agency said this strategic move aligns with the agency’s ongoing commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions across rural Nigeria.
Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of REA,disclosed this on Wednesday, safter presenting the agency’s 2024 budget performance and projections for the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
He emphasized that solar energy would play a crucial role in addressing the energy needs of public institutions, especially in underserved areas, thereby supporting the federal government’s broader efforts to improve energy access and promote clean energy solutions.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reducing the cost of governance through the deployment of solar power in the public sector.
Aliyu stated, “Today, we are presenting the 2025 budget proposal, which marks the largest budget in the history of REA. A key feature of the 2025 budget is the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative, an initiative championed by President Tinubu. This initiative has a proposed allocation of N100 billion.”
“The core objective of this initiative is for the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to solarize public institutions,” said Aliyu, emphasizing the importance of reducing the reliance on costly diesel-powered generators. “When you examine budget implementation data over the years, it becomes evident how much public institutions spend on generators and diesel for electricity. The Federal Government now views this initiative as a cost-saving measure, enabling REA to access funding specifically for the solarization of these institutions.”
Aliyu shared with journalists the agency’s key achievements over the past year.
“For the 2024 budget performance, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) successfully executed several key projects. A major highlight was the extension of the national grid and the strategic deployment of mini-grids, particularly in agricultural zones to promote productive use.
Additionally, the REA made significant strides in the deployment of solar home systems, with a substantial number of these systems rolled out across various regions in 2024,” he further noted.
He praised President Tinubu for the substantial allocation to the agency in the 2025 budget proposal, calling it a significant milestone. He remarked, “I believe this is the best we’ve ever had. The REA’s budget proposal for 2025 is exceptional.”
He further highlighted the difference compared to the previous year.
He added:“In 2024, the total budget was approximately N160 billion. However, for 2025,we are allocated over N500 billion. This year’s budget allocation is more than adequate for us. What is left now is for us to deploy these funds and begin the implementation of our projects in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
