The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has through its various interventions enabled the deployment of 124 mini-grids, the installation of over 25,580 Solar Home Systems (SHS), and the empowerment of 18,013 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in its continuing efforts to enhance inclusive energy access nationwide.

Through these, it has impacted 183 communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory just as it stalled 16.6 MW of renewable energy capacity.

The REA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Abba Aliyu, disclosed these Tuesday during the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Call Three grant award signing ceremony and Access to Finance workshop in Abuja. The highpoint of the workshop was REA’s official signing of agreement with 58 qualified companies for execution of Solar Home System (SHS) in parts of the country.

He further explained that through this,
over 26,000 jobs had been created, 91,720 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided while a collosal sum of ₦5.8 billion private sector investment had also been attracted to the power sector.

The REA Managing Director, who was represented by Executive Director (Corporate Services) Gbenga Ayoade, noted that these achievements represent lives empowered, classrooms illuminated, health centers revived and rural economies set into motion.

He said: Through REF Call 1, Call 2, and other flagship initiatives such as the Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), and the De-risking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions (DSOLS), we have consistently demonstrated what is achievable when bold vision is paired with strategic execution.

“As we commence REF Call 3, our mission goes far beyond scalingcapacities—it is about scaling impact and touching more lives. This next
phase is designed to deepen penetration into underserved areas, catalyze productive use of energy (PUE), and foster greater empowerment of MSMEs, women-led businesses, and agricultural value chains.”

He urged the developers to treat this phase with a renewed sense of

urgency and excellence, stressing that project timelines must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

“This effort is deeply aligned with our broader Mission 300 initiative—an
ambitious vision to connect 300 million people to reliable electricity by 2030. The success of REF Call 3 will directly contribute to this national goal”, he further stated.

In her presentation, the Executive Director REF, Engr. Doris Uboh, articulated the achievements of REA’s REF interventions and expressed optimism that with the Agency’s commitment, access to energy in any party of the country would be achieved.