The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has proposed a ₦170 billion budget for 2026, outlining plans to deliver more than 500 electrification projects aimed at expanding access to renewable and off-grid power across the country.
The Managing Director of the agency, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists after the 2026 budget defence session held by the House Committee on Rural Electrification in Abuja.
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At the heart of the proposal is a ₦100 billion allocation for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, a programme aimed at powering government institutions through hybrid and renewable energy systems.
Mr Aliyu said the initiative would “prioritise Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country,” deploying hybrid mini-grids to reduce reliance on the national grid and curb rising electricity costs in public facilities.
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He cited the National Hospital Abuja as a model, noting that solar-based infrastructure already installed at the facility has ensured a stable power supply while significantly lowering operational energy expenses.
Beyond public institutions, the agency’s 2026 plan reflects a layered strategy tailored to community needs.
Communities located close to existing distribution infrastructure, Mr Aliyu said, will benefit from grid extensions, with the agency planning to extend lines and install transformers to connect households and businesses.
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For agrarian communities and areas with small-scale industries, he assured that renewable-powered mini-grids will be deployed to stimulate economic activities, particularly in agricultural processing clusters where stable electricity can reduce post-harvest losses and enhance value addition.
In remote and sparsely populated settlements where grid expansion is not viable, the agency intends to roll out standalone solar home systems to provide basic electricity access.
“What we presented to the National Assembly are comprehensive details of over 500 projects scheduled for execution in 2026,” Mr Aliyu said, adding that the interventions are designed to close access gaps while supporting rural enterprise.
Performance record, funding gaps
On implementation, the REA boss said the agency achieved an 85 per cent execution rate for its 2024 budget.
He acknowledged funding constraints in 2025, disclosing that performance under the current fiscal year stands at 32 per cent due to low releases.
However, he expressed optimism that progress would accelerate once additional funds are disbursed.
Committee signals support, promises oversight
Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Electrification, Mohammed Bukar (APC, Borno), said members were satisfied with the agency’s explanations and supporting documents after detailed scrutiny.
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Mr Bukar commended the REA’s compliance with procurement rules and fiduciary safeguards, noting measurable progress in expanding off-grid and renewable energy access in rural communities and federal institutions.
He, however, stressed that the committee would conduct oversight visits to project sites to verify implementation on the ground.
“Legislative oversight is a critical pillar of accountability, and we will ensure that the agency continues to align with its statutory mandate and national development priorities,” he said, while encouraging the agency to sustain momentum as Nigeria advances its rural electrification and energy transition goals.
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