By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Tuesday disclosed that it has installed 16.6 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity across Nigeria, implemented through programmes under the Rural Electrification Fund, REF.

Speaking at the grant award signing ceremony for REF Call 3 and an access-to-finance workshop in Abuja, the Managing Director/CEO of REA, Engr. Abba Aliyu, revealed that the initiatives have attracted N5.8 billion in private sector investments, created over 26,000 jobs, and resulted in the avoidance of 91,720 tons of CO₂ emissions.

At the event, REA signed grant agreements with more than 50 companies for the deployment of mini-grids and solar home systems (SHS). Among the awardees were Accent Industrial Project Limited, Cloud Energy, and Diamond Stripes Limited.

Engr. Aliyu noted that 25,580 SHS units have so far been installed nationwide.

According to him, “Since its inception, the Rural Electrification Fund has stood as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and measurable impact. Through REF Call 1, Call 2, and other flagship initiatives such as the Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme, the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme, and the De-risking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions, we have consistently demonstrated what is achievable when bold vision is paired with strategic execution.

“Collectively, these interventions have enabled the deployment of 124 mini-grids, the installation of over 25,580 Solar Home Systems, and the empowerment of 18,013 micro, small, and medium enterprises, impacting 183 communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Beyond these numbers lies a deeper story of transformation—16.6 MW of renewable energy capacity installed, over 26,000 jobs created, 91,720 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided, and N5.8 billion in private sector investment attracted.

“These achievements are not just data points—they represent lives empowered, classrooms illuminated, health centers revived, and rural economies set into motion”, he added.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, REF, Engr. Doris Uboh who gave an overview of the fund and its programmes, explained that the fund is a strategic financing arm of the Rural Electrification Agency, designed to unlock electricity access in rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria.

“Our mission is very clear. One, it is to electrify the underserved and the un-served, to energize development and to build a future where no Nigerian is left in the dark.

“REF embodies the best of public-private partnerships, blending government commitments with private sector innovation to deliver sustainable decentralized energy solutions. We fund what matters. Mini-grids and solar home systems that provide 24 hours access to reliable electricity and impact productive use of energy as well as social economic activities”, she added.