Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has expressed support for the House of Representatives’ decision to investigate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in renewable energy investments in Nigeria.
The probe, totaling $2 billion in investments and grants since 2015, was initiated by lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, representing Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency, Lagos State. The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy is tasked with investigating and reporting back within four weeks.
This move comes amidst growing public demand for improved electricity supply and concerns over the effectiveness of significant investments in the renewable energy sector, which have not yet yielded noticeable improvements.
Aliyu, while acknowledging the need for scrutiny, emphasized the positive impact of grants and loans from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). He stated, “The support provided by the DFIs and partners has been truly revolutionary. We’ve seen the emergence of a thriving ecosystem in the off-grid space, including private developers, financiers, manufacturers, and investors.”
He further explained that these grants are primarily designed to catalyze private sector investment, which has resulted in the development of mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems benefiting over 5 million Nigerians.
The REA remains optimistic about the potential of renewable energy to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and welcomes the investigation as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in the sector.
