By Ndudirim Silvia Iloka
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), charging members to prioritise decisions that directly improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Tegbe said the appointment of the board was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen accountability and institutional governance across government agencies. The event was attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the REA Board Chairman and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, the agency’s Managing Director, board members and senior ministry officials.
The minister described the REA as a key vehicle for expanding economic opportunities through access to electricity, noting that projects such as mini-grids, solar home systems and the electrification of schools, healthcare centres, markets and farms were helping to promote inclusion and development across the country.
He highlighted flagship initiatives, including the Energising Education Programme, Energising Economies Programme, Energising Agriculture Programme and the Africa Mini-Grids Programme, as examples of the agency’s growing role in addressing Nigeria’s energy access gap.
Tegbe said the new board was assuming office at a critical stage in the agency’s development and reminded members of their responsibility to provide strategic direction and oversight rather than engage in the day-to-day running of the agency.
According to him, while the board is expected to review the agency’s performance and provide policy guidance through its quarterly meetings, management will remain responsible for implementing programmes and delivering results, subject to established accountability measures.
The minister also praised Fayose’s leadership experience and expressed confidence that the board would contribute to the advancement of the government’s rural electrification agenda. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting the agency, describing electricity as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved living standards.
Responding, Fayose said the board was committed to supporting efforts to address Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges. He described Tegbe’s appointment as a reflection of the administration’s determination to deliver meaningful reforms in the power sector.
The former governor commended the minister’s technical expertise and leadership, stating that recent developments in the sector had renewed confidence in the government’s ability to improve power supply and expand access to electricity nationwide.
