Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has expressed his appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s swift and strategic reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector since assuming office.
According to the REA CEO, the purpose of national economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, is to reshape the structure and overall direction of Nigeria’s economy.
These reforms aim to build capacity to address critical issues such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality in the country.
While Nigerians react to the removal of petroleum subsidies, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad suggests an alternative solution to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal. He believes that Nigerians should embrace the optimization of renewable energy solutions.
In a statement, the MD of REA emphasized that one of the most effective ways to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal is through the exploration of opportunities to maximize the crucial role of renewable energy.
He expressed his delight about the partnership between REA and Oando, stating that it would lead to mutually beneficial collaboration, knowledge exchange, and experiences, all aimed at optimizing renewable energy.
He further highlighted REA’s track record of utilizing available financing options to deliver impact nationwide. The agency implements programs and initiatives that can be utilized to benefit the entire nation.
Dr. Alex Irune, the President and CEO of Oando Clean Energy Limited, commended REA for its approach to understanding and leveraging the private sector’s role in achieving sustainable energy access throughout the country. He expressed confidence in the collaboration with REA and praised their sustainable approaches, programs, and achievements over the years.
Engineer Barka Sajou, the Executive Director of Technical Services at REA, explained the agency’s shift in delivering electrification projects tailored to specific needs. He emphasized the importance of sustainable energy access as an enabler of community growth and the targeting of electrification projects towards people’s livelihoods.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to strengthen collaboration between the private sector and government agencies for the deployment of sustainable renewable energy access across Nigeria. This signing follows the successful investor matchmaking event.
As REA continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s off-grid and renewable energy sector, the agency has a strong track record of attracting private sector investments, facilitating inter-sectorial collaboration, and ultimately supporting the implementation and delivery of fitting off-grid solutions nationwide.