The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has revealed plans to achieve over 500 electrification projects in the 2026 fiscal year with specific focus on institutions and underserved rural communities
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has outlined plans to implement more than 500 electrification projects in the 2026 fiscal year, targeting public institutions and underserved rural communities as part of efforts to deepen energy access nationwide.
The agency’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 budget defence session organised by the House Committee on Rural Electrification in Abuja.
Aliyu said the REA has proposed a total budget of N170 billion for 2026, with N100 billion already approved for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative. The programme is designed to deliver sustainable and cost-effective electricity to government institutions through renewable energy solutions.
According to him, the allocation will support the deployment of hybrid mini-grids for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within and outside Abuja, helping to reduce reliance on the national grid and cut energy costs across public facilities.
He cited the National Hospital Abuja as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, noting that the installation of solar-based infrastructure at the facility has ensured uninterrupted power supply, lowered operational costs, and improved service delivery.
Breaking down the 2026 proposals, Aliyu explained that the projects were designed to address the diverse energy needs of communities across the country. Communities located close to existing power infrastructure will benefit from grid extension projects, including the installation of transformers and distribution lines to connect homes and businesses to the national grid.
For agrarian communities and areas with cottage industries, the agency plans to deploy renewable-powered mini-grids to boost productivity. Similar interventions are planned for agricultural processing clusters to enhance value addition, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate rural enterprise development.
In remote and sparsely populated areas where grid or mini-grid solutions are not economically viable, the REA will roll out solar home systems to provide standalone power to households.
“What we presented to the National Assembly are the full details of over 500 electrification projects scheduled for execution in 2026,” Aliyu said.
On budget performance, the REA boss disclosed that the agency achieved an 85 per cent implementation rate for the 2024 fiscal year. He added that although fund releases were low in 2025, the agency has recorded 32 per cent performance so far and expects improved implementation as more funds are released.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Electrification, Mohammed Bukar (APC Brono), said the committee was satisfied with the agency’s budget presentation after a detailed review of its submissions and supporting documents.
Bukar noted that the REA has made significant progress in expanding energy access through off-grid and renewable energy interventions in rural communities, federal institutions and other public sector establishments.
While commending the agency’s compliance with procurement rules, fiduciary safeguards and development partner frameworks, the lawmaker said the committee would still conduct oversight visits to project sites as part of its constitutional responsibilities.
“Legislative oversight is essential for accountability, and we will continue to ensure that the Rural Electrification Agency remains aligned with its mandate and national development priorities,” Rep. Bukar said.
He added that the committee was encouraged by the agency’s performance and urged it to sustain the momentum as Nigeria advances its rural electrification drive and broader energy transition goals.
