NGThe Managing Director of Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, revealed that over 85 million Nigerians, approximately 40% of the population, still lack reliable access to grid electricity. During the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with Ecotech Development Nigeria Limited, Aliyu emphasized the importance of local manufacturing of solar panels and batteries to reduce reliance on imports. He criticized Nigeria's current dependence on foreign-sourced renewable energy equipment, noting that nearly all solar installations rely on components made abroad. This arrangement, according to Aliyu, has cost Nigeria potential job creation, technical development, and foreign exchange retention. Under the new agreement, the REA plans to support the production and off-take of solar modules and battery storage systems in Nigeria.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding Nigeria's electricity challenges and the REA's efforts to address them through partnerships. It includes direct quotes from the REA boss without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. While the content touches on national policy and economic
