The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, appointed as chairman.
‎
‎The inauguration took place on Friday in Abuja, where the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, urged the new board to prioritise policies capable of improving the lives and economic conditions of Nigerians.
‎
‎Tegbe said the reconstitution of the board was part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to promote stronger governance, transparency and accountability within government agencies.
‎
‎He described the REA as an important instrument for expanding economic opportunities, particularly through off-grid electricity projects targeting communities and underserved sectors.
‎
‎According to him, initiatives such as mini-grids, solar home systems and the electrification of schools, healthcare facilities, markets and farms are essential investments in human development.
‎
‎The minister highlighted programmes including Energising Education, Energising Economies, Energising Agriculture and the Africa Mini-Grids Programme as key projects supporting the government’s electricity expansion agenda.
‎
‎He said the board was established in line with Section 130 of the Electricity Act and had assumed responsibility at an important stage in the agency’s development.
‎
‎Tegbe further explained that the board’s role would focus on strategic direction and oversight, while the agency’s management would remain responsible for its daily operations.
‎
‎He said the non-executive board would provide policy guidance during its quarterly meetings, with management expected to operate independently while remaining accountable for performance.
‎
‎The minister congratulated Fayose and other members of the board, assuring them of the ministry’s continued support. He stressed that reliable electricity remained crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and social development.
‎
‎Responding, Fayose praised President Tinubu for appointing Tegbe as Minister of Power, describing the decision as an important move towards addressing the country’s power challenges.
‎
‎The former governor commended Tegbe’s technical knowledge and managerial ability, saying his leadership had brought renewed momentum to the power sector.
‎
‎Fayose assured the minister that the board would remain committed to fulfilling the REA’s mandate and supporting efforts to improve electricity access across the country.
‎
‎The inauguration was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, the REA Managing Director, members of the new board and other senior officials.