President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the substantive Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for an initial four-year term, effective January 23, 2025. Aliyu, who had been serving as acting MD since March 2024, brings over two decades of experience in the energy and organizational development sectors.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement from the State House, which highlighted Aliyu’s extensive background in on-grid and off-grid power solutions, as well as his contributions to water resources and transportation in Nigeria.
Before his new role, Aliyu held several key positions, including Head of the Project Management Unit at the Nigeria Electrification Project, General Manager of Corporate Services, Projects, and Research, and Deputy General Manager at Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET). His leadership in these roles has positioned him as a key figure in Nigeria’s efforts to expand electricity access, particularly in rural areas.
With his appointment, Aliyu is expected to lead the REA’s mission of providing reliable electricity to underserved communities. His leadership will be crucial in furthering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes sustainable energy solutions and improved power infrastructure across the country.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Aliyu’s ability to drive rural electrification initiatives, emphasizing the importance of expanding energy access as a catalyst for economic growth and development in Nigeria’s rural communities.
