The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, charging members to make the improvement of ordinary Nigerians’ lives and livelihoods the central consideration in their decisions.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Tegbe said the constitution of the board was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen governance and accountability across public institutions.
He described REA as an institution critical to expanding economic opportunities, noting that every mini-grid, solar home system and electrified market, school, health centre or farm represents an investment in human capital and economic inclusion.
The Minister cited REA’s Energizing Education, Economies and Agriculture Programmes and the Africa Mini-Grids Programme as examples of initiatives aimed at using electricity to improve livelihoods and expand access to economic opportunities.
He noted that the board, constituted under Section 130 of the Electricity Act, assumed office at a defining moment for the agency and urged members to provide effective strategic direction and oversight.
Tegbe also clarified the distinction between the board’s non-executive responsibilities and the day-to-day functions of management, stressing that while the board would review performance quarterly, management must retain the operational latitude required to execute its responsibilities, subject to accountability.
He commended the Chairman of the Board, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and other members for accepting the responsibility, assuring them of the Ministry’s continued partnership.
The Minister described electricity as an instrument for inclusion, opportunity and prosperity, urging the board to ensure that REA’s interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Responding on behalf of the board, Fayose said President Tinubu’s appointment of Tegbe as Minister of Power demonstrated the administration’s seriousness about addressing Nigeria’s longstanding power challenges.
He described Tegbe as a technocrat whose technical expertise and managerial competence had contributed to what he called a positive turning point in the power sector.
Fayose assured the Minister that the board was committed to working with him and the REA leadership to advance efforts to deliver lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.