REA partners NBS on national energy survey to boost electricity access

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the conduct of a comprehensive National Energy Survey using the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework (MTF) in Nigeria.

The initiative, according to the REA, is designed to generate high-quality, analytical data to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation in Nigeria’s power and energy sector.

The REA in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the MoU formalised a strategic partnership between the two federal government agencies to provide technical support and collaboration for the exercise.

Speaking on the collaboration, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, explained that the collaboration will provide granular, credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across Nigeria.

He noted that the partnership underscores REA’s commitment to data-driven rural electrification planning. Findings of the survey, according to Aliyu, will directly inform national electrification initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), while also strengthening investor confidence in the sector.

“The MoU formalises a strategic partnership between the two Federal Government agencies to provide mutual collaboration and technical support for the survey, which is being implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank.

“This collaboration will provide granular, credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across Nigeria. The findings will directly inform national electrification initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), while also strengthening investor confidence in the sector,” he said.

He further noted that the partnership reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, improving the availability of reliable energy data, and advancing sustainable electrification across rural and underserved communities in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, emphasized the importance of sound statistical standards in national surveys.

Read also: NBS begins 2025 survey in Kaduna to boost women, children’s welfare

“NBS is pleased to provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to ensure that the survey adheres to global best practices. Reliable data is fundamental to effective policy and sustainable development,” he stated.

Under the MoU, which is expected to be implemented in 18 months, the parties will work together to assess energy access at household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels using the Multi-Tier Framework. They are also expected to examine household energy affordability, expenditure patterns, and willingness to pay for grid and off-grid solutions.

According to the REA, data generated from the survey will support national energy planning, improve program targeting, guide private sector investments, and strengthen Nigeria’s transition toward universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.

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