Nigerian government unveils six power plants at federal universities through Rural Electrification Agency

NIGERIA'S federal government has installed power plants in six federal universities through its Rural Electrification Agency (Rea) as part of the policy to provide reliable electricity supply to critical sectors of the economy.

Struggling under the weight of inadequate supply, Nigeria only generates about 7,000Mw of electricity, of which it can distribute just 4,000 to consumers. In a bid to address the problem, the government created the Rea to come up with means of providing power in remote areas of the country as part of an electricity master plan.

During a briefing with finance minister Wale Edun, Rea managing director Abba Abubakar, said he was particularly pleased about this project it shows that the agency is making significant strides in advancing Nigeria’s electrification projects. He named the six institutions as the University of Abuja, the University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, the Federal University Gashua, the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta and the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

Details of the meeting, which were contained in a statement from the finance ministry, emphasised the transformative impact of Rea’s initiatives on communities across the country. During the briefing, Abba Abubakar Aliyu presented a comprehensive overview of the  successful Rea projects, showcasing how electrification is changing the landscape of rural Nigeria.

Finance ministry spokesman Muhammad Manga, gave a presentation which included photographic evidence of power plants established at several key institutions. He pointed out that these installations represent a significant leap in the agency’s mission to provide reliable power to critical sectors of society.

In response to the presentation, Mr Edun praised the agency for its remarkable achievements and underscored the crucial role of electrification in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and development. He highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about the positive impacts of Rea’s work, which he described as a cornerstone for empowering communities and stimulating economic progress.

Mr Edun added: “Rea’s efforts are not just lighting up homes and institutions, they are illuminating the future of Nigeria by improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities. As Rea continues to illuminate Nigeria’s future, the country can expect improved livelihoods, increased economic opportunities and a brighter tomorrow.

He stressed that the Rea's work has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economic landscape. According to Mr Edun, by providing reliable electricity to previously underserved regions, Rea is helping to unlock the potential of these communities, enabling them to participate more fully in the national economy.