Buhari appoints Ahmad Salihijo as REA boss

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Ahmad Salihijo as the Managing Director (MD) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Mr Aaron Artimason on Tuesday in Abuja.

The development came barely a week after the erstwhile MD, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi was suspended by the Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman.

According to the statement, Salihijo is described as a renewable energy expert from Adamawa State, who holds two masters degrees in development studies and project planning.

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“He has also acquired vast knowledge and experience in power sector development. REA MD Salihijo was a technical assistant to a former Minister of Environment who left office in 2019.

“He had been at the helm of climate finance initiatives that include the development of the Green Bond by the ministry for reducing green-house gasses and promoting renewable energy in Nigeria,” he said.

Also appointed are Olaniyi Alaba Netufo who is the Executive Director, South West and Eddi Mietuade Julius, a non-Executive Director for the South-south.

Mrs Ogunbiyi until her suspension, was recently appointed as special representative for sustainable energy and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll).

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power had ordered that she proceeds on an immediate, indefinite suspension and directed an investigation into alleged infractions by the agency.