Fayose Takes Office as REA Chairman: Tinubu's Renewed Hope for Nigeria's Electricity Sector

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Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe in Abuja on Friday. This is a significant move in Nigeria's power sector, as the agency plays a critical role in expanding electricity access nationwide.

Fayose expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the other appointees, saying his priority would be to support the agency with the political backing needed to strengthen its operations and secure funding for its programs. He noted that many of the problems facing Nigeria's electricity sector are rooted in rural communities and stressed that the agency's responsibility extends beyond simply supplying power.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the country must begin to measure success in the electricity sector by the number of communities and citizens benefiting from power, rather than by megawatts generated. He described the REA as a critical institution in Nigeria's power sector and said its mandate covers education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and broader economic development.

Tegbe urged the board members to embrace transparency, innovation, and prudent management of public resources while building partnerships with development agencies and the private sector to improve electricity access. He added that the agency must serve as the link between national electricity policy and grassroots development, ensuring that rural communities benefit from ongoing reforms.

REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities through its rural and off-grid programmes.

The inauguration officially marks the beginning of the tenure of the new REA governing board, with Fayose expected to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the agency's operations.

REA's role has become even more significant as the Federal Government continues implementing the Electricity Act and wider reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. According to Tegbe, the benefits of power reforms are being felt across the country, not only in major cities but also in the remotest communities across the federation.

Key Facts

• Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). • Fayose expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment. • Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the country must begin to measure success in the electricity sector by the number of communities and citizens benefiting from power. • Tegbe urged the board members to embrace transparency, innovation, and prudent management of public resources. • REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities.

### Context The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is a critical institution in Nigeria's power sector, responsible for expanding electricity access nationwide. The agency's mandate covers education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and broader economic development. The REA plays a vital role in bridging the gap in electricity access between rural and urban communities. With the inauguration of a new governing board led by Fayose, Nigerians are hopeful that the agency will live up to its mandate and deliver on President Tinubu's renewed hope for the power sector.

I want to use this window to assure Nigerians that your expectation about my appointment and my colleagues will not be dashed. We will give our best to achieve the Renewed Hope of President Tinubu for the country to be better for us all.

### A Nigerian Angle The power sector has been a significant challenge in Nigeria, with many rural communities lacking access to electricity. The REA's role in expanding electricity access nationwide makes it a critical institution in Nigeria's power sector. With Fayose at the helm, Nigerians are hopeful that the agency will deliver on its mandate and bridge the gap in electricity access between rural and urban communities.