VP Shettima Appeals For Enhanced Access To Power From Electricity Agency

VP Shettima Appeals For Enhanced Access To Power From Electricity Agency

Naija News reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima made an appeal for improved power access on Friday during a meeting with a delegation from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), led by Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu. The delegation presented the National Electrification and Implementation Plan (NESIP) to Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…… CONTINUE READING

During the meeting, Shettima endorsed REA’s proposal to collaborate with the National Economic Council (NEC) to engage state governors in promoting nationwide electrification. He also acknowledged the agency’s recent achievement of securing a $750 million grant from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support rural electrification projects across Nigeria.

Shettima, who chairs the NEC, praised the REA for its efforts but stressed the need for innovative and expansive thinking. He emphasized the strong link between electricity access and financial inclusion, expressing a commitment to partnering with the agency to fulfill the Nigerian people’s expectations for reliable power.

The Vice President also highlighted concerns about the agency’s public outreach, suggesting that the REA’s media strategy needs improvement. He urged the agency to enhance its visibility and communication efforts to better inform Nigerians about their initiatives. Shettima called for a review of the REA’s PR management team to increase public awareness of their work.

In response to the agency’s proposal, Shettima instructed that Rukaiya El-Rufai, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, be involved in presenting the plan at an NEC meeting to ensure governors are aligned with the agency’s recommendations.

Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu detailed the agency’s primary funding sources, including the World Bank, AfDB, and other international partnerships. He also noted the agency’s progress with a $550 million project previously managed and the new $750 million grant. Aliyu outlined the REA’s focus on key projects, such as the 12-megawatt power plant in Maiduguri, which will soon benefit the University of Maiduguri and the Teaching Hospital, with plans to expand to local water treatment facilities.

For the latest updates and juicy gossip, dive into the Bushradiogist platform by clicking this link: Bushradio. For advert placement only, shoot a WhatsApp message to 0807 580 6790.