FG reaffirms commitment to providing reliable electricity to rural communities

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable electricity to rural communities as part of efforts to expand access, create jobs, and drive economic growth through renewable energy.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed at the weekend in Maiduguri that the agency, under its Energising Education Programme, has commenced the training of 1,500 young Nigerians on renewable energy technologies, with 100 students of the University of Maiduguri forming the first batch of beneficiaries.

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He noted that the programme, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targets unserved and underserved communities to improve livelihoods and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

According to him, the training was designed to develop skilled manpower to support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s renewable energy hub.

“This requires more than infrastructure deployment. It calls for a new generation of young Nigerians who are technically trained in the operation, maintenance, and financing of renewable energy projects,” he said.

Aliyu explained that participants are being trained with facilities already deployed by the agency across the country, giving them practical, hands-on exposure. He also announced that the maiden National Renewable Energy Forum will take place in Abuja on September 14 and 15, with all states expected to attend.

He further noted that Borno was chosen as the starting point because of its solar panel assembly plants, which align with the government’s drive to encourage local manufacturing of renewable components.

Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Oluyemi Akinyulere, said 15 universities will benefit in the first phase, each training about 100 students at world-class centres, while more institutions will be included later.

One of the trainees, Amina Yusuf, a final-year engineering student, described the programme as “a rare opportunity for young people to gain practical knowledge that can help us build careers and even start our own renewable energy businesses.”