The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) says it has completed 1,403 projects and provided power to 7.5 million people under its capital budget from 2020 to date.
Malam Muntari Ibrahim, the Director of Information, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
The clarification comes amid allegations of corruption within the Agency.
It stated that the agency has made giant strides despite challenges under its Managing Director, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.
REA cited provision of electricity to 1.5 million households, delivering 130 Mini-Grid projects, including 1.3 million standalone home systems, deployment of 1,650km of solar street lights, and improving power, security, and economic growth in rural areas as its achievements in the period under review.
“We acknowledge the recent surge of publications discussing various petitions, investigations, and allegations of corruption within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Notably, a recent report by Online Media highlights significant changes within the Agency, prompted by media coverage, shedding light on longstanding issues plaguing the organization.
“We want to make it clear that Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the current Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, has been a steadfast leader who has tirelessly guided REA through challenging times, even in the face of internal and external pressures, and resistance to anti-corruption efforts.
“While the Agency may have maintained silence, it was not due to a lack of information but rather a deliberate effort to focus on the right processes, personnel, and a culture that prioritizes doing what is right.
“Over the past few months, despite numerous obstacles, we have collaborated closely with the Ministry, National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and process organizations to initiate further reforms within REA. The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu, directed a thorough committee review of the relevant issues that have influenced the Agency’s response to the alleged situation.
“REA completed 1,403 projects under the capital budget, delivering solar street lights, mini-grid projects, standalone home systems, and grid extension works.
“Through various programs, including the Energizing Education Program, Energizing Agriculture Program, Beyond COVID-19, and Economic Clusters, REA delivered over 65MW of power across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
“REA has delivered over 500MW of power, electrified numerous communities, created 500,000 new jobs, and attracted over $2 billion in investments in the renewable energy sector over the past decade”, it stated.
