World Bank to support rural electrification project in Nigeria-Minister
By Anietie Ekanem
The World Bank is about to release some huge fund to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for project implementation, according to the Minister of State for Power, Prince Giddy Jedy-Agba who spoke to journalists at the REA Management and Retreat 2023 in Abuja.
The REF Executive Director, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, in his presentation in the retreat clamoured for more funding for more projects.
Asked to respond to the request, the Minister said: “The Rural Electrification Fund of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
We are targeting more funds and fund. World Bank is bringing fund.
“The Federal Government has made provision and their sources of funding are enormous.”
Ohiare recalled that the REF, which is the least funded, commenced its operation with N12.4 billion in 2017.
Seeking increased funding, he told the Minister to ensure the bill in the National Assembly improves the financial status of the REF.
He said: “Sir, I want to add to your list that before you leave office, let us also make sure that the reform bill, you took to the National Assembly, at least is passed so that it puts us in better stead to get more funding because like I said earlier we are the poorest fund in the country. So, Perm Sec, may be you take that up.”
He revealed that following the efficient utilization of its seed fund, the REF earned the confidence of the World Bank, stressing the African Development Bank supported it with $250million.
He noted that following its success story, the agency has several rural projects in partnership with GIZ for mini grid to see how to partner with the electricity distribution companies for projects in areas the DisCos are not interested in.
The REA Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said the agency in its bid towards fulfilling its mandate of providing electricity to unserved and underserved rural communities across the country held a town hall meeting with the Board, Management and all staff from the Corporate Headquarters and Zonal Offices.
According to him, the aim of the workshop is for institutional strengthening and sustainable development where the Management conveyed its plans and direction for the Agency as well as discuss with staff on the challenges faced in the implementation of projects and their duties in order to chart a way forward which is critical in advancing the course of the REA mandate and improving the energy sector.
He tasked staff to build on the successes recorded in moving the Agency in more positive light and implored staff to be innovative and solution driven in managing and delivering their duties.
