The Federal Government has announced major progress in its efforts to expand clean energy access, revealing that the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) has attracted N5.8 billion in private sector investment.
Administered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the REF initiative is part of a broader strategy to accelerate rural development by delivering sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the “REF Call 3 Grant Award Signing Ceremony and Access to Finance Workshop” held Tuesday in Abuja, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu, represented by Executive Director of Corporate Services Ayoade Adegboyega, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable energy access.
During the event, the REA signed agreements with 58 companies to deploy solar mini-grids and solar home systems nationwide.
Aliyu highlighted the achievements of the REF so far, which include the deployment of 124 mini-grids, the installation of over 25,580 solar home systems, and the empowerment of 18,013 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These efforts have brought clean energy to 183 communities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the REA, the initiative has delivered 16.6 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity, created over 26,000 jobs, and avoided 91,720 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
“This marks a renewed chapter in our commitment to transforming lives through sustainable energy,” Aliyu said. “The REF stands as a model of innovation and measurable impact, blending public and private efforts to improve livelihoods.”
Aliyu emphasized that the third phase of the programme (REF Call 3) aims to deepen clean energy penetration in underserved areas, empower MSMEs and women-led businesses, and support agricultural value chains.
Addressing developers, he stressed the importance of timely project delivery. “We will no longer tolerate prolonged deployment timelines. Past delays have shown us the need for strict adherence to the one-year project cycle,” he said. Developers are also expected to meet technical standards and maintain transparent communication with the REA.
REF Director Doris Uboh also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of sustainability. She reiterated that REF, established by the 2005 Electricity Power Sector Reform Act and strengthened under the 2023 Electricity Act, is a key financing tool for expanding electricity access in rural and peri-urban areas.
“Our mission is clear: electrify the underserved, energize development, and ensure no Nigerian is left in the dark,” Uboh said.
She highlighted REF’s long-term impact, noting that some developers have successfully operated mini-grids under REF support for over five to ten years, thanks to robust sustainability and job creation plans.
“The developer is not just responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution, but also for ongoing maintenance and tariff collection,” she added. “This long-term engagement ensures that the systems remain functional and impactful.”
Uboh called on all partners to comply with operational guidelines and uphold the integrity of the programme, emphasizing that REF projects must deliver reliable, lasting solutions.
