Abuja: The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly-constituted governing board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), urging its members to adopt a leadership approach focused on benefiting the populace. The inauguration, which took place on Friday, witnessed the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, highlighting the importance of policies that directly enhance the lives and livelihoods of everyday Nigerians.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the board is chaired by Mr. Ayodele Fayose, a former Governor of Ekiti State. Tegbe emphasized that the board’s formation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving governance, transparency, and accountability across public institutions. He described the agency as a crucial catalyst for economic inclusion, noting that off-grid interventions such as mini-grids, solar home systems, and electrification of essential infrastructure represent significant investments in human capital.
Tegbe outlined several initiatives that are advancing the agency’s vision, including the energising education, energising economies, and energising agriculture programmes, in addition to the Africa Mini-Grids Programme. He noted that the new board, established under Section 130 of the Electricity Act, assumes its role at a pivotal moment in the agency’s development.
The minister further clarified the operational boundaries, stressing the importance of distinguishing between strategic oversight and daily execution. He explained that while the non-executive board offers high-level policy guidance during quarterly meetings, the management retains operational independence, subject to rigorous performance accountability.
Commending the board chairman and members, Tegbe reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ongoing support, underscoring that electricity is a fundamental tool for national prosperity and social inclusion. In response, Fayose praised Tegbe’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu, viewing it as a strategic move to address Nigeria’s power sector challenges rather than a mere political assignment. He lauded the minister’s technical expertise and managerial skills, recognizing the positive impact on the power sector’s trajectory.
Fayose assured the minister of the board’s full commitment to fulfilling the REA’s mandate. The event was attended by the permanent secretary of the ministry of power, the REA managing director, board members, and senior management officials.