Nigerian Govt inaugurates Ayodele Fayose-led REA Governing Council
Federal Government Appoints New Governing Board for Rural Electrification Agency
ABUJA — The Federal Government inaugurated a new governing board for the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Friday, urging members to prioritize people-centered leadership.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe emphasized the importance of ensuring that agency policies enhance the lives and livelihoods of average Nigerians.
The new board, chaired by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, was established to align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of improved governance, transparency, and accountability in public institutions.
Tegbe described the REA as a crucial driver of economic inclusion, highlighting various off-grid initiatives, including mini-grids, solar home systems, and the electrification of markets, health centers, schools, and farms. He argued that these efforts represent significant investments in human capital.
Key initiatives already in motion include the Energising Education, Energising Economies, and Energising Agriculture programs, as well as the Africa Mini-Grids Programme.
The new board, constituted under Section 130 of the Electricity Act, assumes leadership at a pivotal time for the agency. Tegbe underscored the need for a clear distinction between the board’s strategic oversight role and the management’s daily operations. He stated that while the non-executive board would provide high-level policy guidance during quarterly meetings, management would maintain operational autonomy with accountability for performance.
In his remarks, Fayose commended Tegbe’s recent appointment by President Tinubu, characterizing it as a significant step toward addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. He praised the minister’s expertise and management skills, recognizing his efforts as a turning point for the sector.
Fayose assured Tegbe of the board’s commitment to fulfilling the REA’s mandate. The event was attended by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Power, the REA managing director, and other senior officials.
