President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the substantive Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), effective January 23, 2025. This appointment, which marks the beginning of Aliyu's four-year term, follows his previous role as acting Managing Director since March 2024. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Aliyu brings over two decades of experience to the role, primarily within the energy sector, where he has excelled both in public and private capacities. Having played pivotal roles concerning Nigeria’s power infrastructure, particularly concerning both on-grid and off-grid initiatives, his expertise positions him as a key figure in advancing the country's energy agenda. His leadership experience encompasses various significant roles, including serving as the Head of the Project Management Unit at the Nigeria Electrification Project and holding senior positions at Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET).
President Tinubu highlighted his confidence in Aliyu, stating, "I am confident in Aliyu’s ability to lead the agency toward achieving its goals under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on sustainable energy and power." This agenda emphasizes the administration's commitment to providing reliable and sustainable electricity to rural communities across Nigeria.
Before his appointment, Aliyu played various integral roles. For example, as General Manager of Corporate Services, Projects, and Research at NBET, he was instrumental in several projects aimed at improving electricity access and management. His prior experience also includes serving as Deputy General Manager at NBET, where he successfully navigated challenges within Nigeria's electricity sector.
The REA's mission is to provide affordable and stable electricity to rural areas, which remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio-economic development goals. Aliyu's extensive background is expected to be pivotal as he leads the agency toward creating new pathways for electrification and energy access. With the increasing need for reliable power supply as populations grow and urbanizes, the appointment couldn’t come at a more pressing time.
Aliyu's leadership is anticipated to align with the broader policy framework of the federal government, especially as Nigeria continues to address its energy challenges. The rural electrification initiative is part of Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims not only to improve energy availability but also to boost economic growth by ensuring communities have sustained access to electricity.
Aliyu’s capably-rounded career spanning over two decades demonstrates his potential to effectuate positive change within the REA. By taking on this key leadership position, he will oversee operations and strategic direction, aiming to fulfil the agency's objectives efficiently and effectively.
Overall, Abba Aliyu's confirmation as the Managing Director of the REA marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s energy sector. His extensive experience and successful track record within the industry will serve as valuable assets as he embarks on leading the agency. With unwavering support from the administration, the future of rural electrification under Aliyu's leadership looks promising as Nigeria strives to illuminate the lives of its underserved communities.