REA, Benue Gov't partner to power 1.2m residents via renewable rnergy

In a landmark move to decentralize Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Benue State Government have established a comprehensive investment pathway designed to bridge the energy gap for over 1.2 million residents.

The collaboration was solidified on January 28, 2026, during the 24th high-level State-by-State Roundtable, a strategic forum aimed at translating the Electricity Act 2023 into tangible subnational economic growth.

The roundtable, themed "From Strategy to Impact: Accelerating Private Investment in Benue State Renewable Energy Ecosystem," brought together more than 300 stakeholders, including financiers, policymakers, and Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs).

Central to the discussions was the shift from federal policy to state-level execution, utilizing data-driven strategies to transform Benue's energy sector into a competitive market for private investors.

During a detailed debriefing with the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the MD/CEO of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, unveiled an extensive x-ray of the state's electricity potential.

The agency’s data identified 3,821 potential mini-grid sites across the state, with approximately 651 communities already possessing the requisite population density to make private-sector mini-grid development highly viable.

Dr. Aliyu highlighted economically significant areas such as Odejo, Mbadede, and Gwer, as well as major hubs like Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, and Tarka, as prime locations for high-impact investment.

Beyond residential lighting, the REA emphasized a multi-sectoral approach where renewable energy would directly bolster Benue’s status as the nation’s Food Basket by powering agricultural value chains, alongside improvements in healthcare delivery and local security.
Benue State Governor, Rev.Fr.Hyacinth Alia expressed strong commitment to this new framework, acknowledging that poor energy access has historically hindered the state's progress.

He noted that his administration has already taken deliberate steps to develop a functional state electricity market, emphasizing that investor confidence relies on clarity, predictability, and efficient project coordination.

The Governor commended the REA for its granular data, which provides the evidence base needed to de-risk investments for incoming developers.

The pathway explores various funding and technical avenues, including the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program, the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI), and the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

These programs are designed to provide the financial scaffolding necessary to scale up solar home systems, irrigation pumps, and grid extension projects across the state.

The success of this roundtable marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s evolving energy sector. As states begin to exercise their new powers under the 2023 Act, the partnership between the REA and Benue State serves as a blueprint for localized energy independence. By fostering a favorable investment climate and a pipeline of skilled labor to manage new infrastructure, the initiative aims to create a sustainable, private-sector-led energy market that can meet the unique needs of Benue’s diverse economy.