REA and NBS Forge Landmark Partnership to Power Nigeria’s Energy Future with Data
In a significant move to illuminate Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have formalized a strategic partnership. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the launch of a comprehensive National Energy Survey, a critical initiative poised to reshape evidence-based planning in the nation’s power sector.
Beyond a Handshake: A Blueprint for Data-Driven Development
This collaboration is far more than a ceremonial agreement. It represents a foundational step in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector: the lack of granular, reliable data. The MoU establishes a framework for mutual technical support to conduct the survey using the globally recognized Multi-Tier Framework (MTF), implemented under the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
The core mission is to generate high-quality, analytical data that moves beyond simple “connected/not connected” metrics. This data will be the bedrock for informed policy, targeted investments, and measurable progress toward universal energy access.
Leadership Insights: Why This Partnership Matters
A Commitment to Precision in Rural Electrification
Speaking at the signing in Abuja, the Managing Director/CEO of REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, underscored the transformative potential of the collaboration. “This partnership underscores REA’s commitment to data-driven rural electrification planning,” he stated. “It will provide granular, credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across Nigeria.”
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the practical outcomes: the findings will directly inform key national initiatives like the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP) and, crucially, strengthen investor confidence by de-risking the market with solid evidence.
Upholding Statistical Integrity for National Progress
Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, emphasized the non-negotiable role of methodological rigor. “NBS is pleased to provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to ensure the survey adheres to global best practices,” he said. “Reliable data is fundamental to effective policy and sustainable development.” This involvement guarantees the survey’s credibility and its acceptance as an official national statistic.
The Scope of Collaboration: Measuring What Truly Matters
The survey’s design is comprehensive, aiming to capture the nuanced reality of energy access in Nigeria. Under the MoU, the agencies will collaborate to:
- Assess multi-dimensional energy access at household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels using the MTF, which evaluates not just connection but capacity, reliability, and quality.
- Examine energy affordability and consumer behavior, including household expenditure patterns and willingness to pay for both grid and off-grid solutions—data vital for designing sustainable business models.
- Analyze the penetration and usage of off-grid technologies, such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and critically, clean cooking solutions, linking electricity access to broader health and environmental benefits.
Clear Roles for a Common Goal
The partnership leverages the unique strengths of each institution:
- REA acts as the sectoral expert and policy anchor, providing deep knowledge of rural electrification challenges, driving stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the survey’s findings align with national priorities.
- NBS brings statistical authority, providing regulatory approval, robust sampling frames, methodological validation, and capacity building for enumerators to ensure uncompromising data quality.
- The World Bank (ESMAP) provides funding, high-level technical oversight, and will engage a specialized survey firm to handle the large-scale field data collection, analysis, and reporting.
The Road Ahead: An 18-Month Journey to Impact
With the MoU in force for 18 months, the process of data gathering and analysis is now underway. The anticipated outcomes are substantial:
- Informed National Planning: Data will directly feed into strategies like the NESIAP and government’s energy transition plans.
- Improved Programme Targeting: Interventions can be directed to areas and demographics with the greatest need, maximizing impact.
- De-risked Investments: Clear market data will guide private sector investments in mini-grids and solar home systems, accelerating growth.
- Tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The survey will provide concrete metrics for tracking progress toward SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Ultimately, this partnership between REA and NBS is a powerful reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration. By replacing assumptions with evidence, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward closing its energy access gap, fostering sustainable economic growth, and ensuring that the benefits of modern energy reach every community. The data collected will not just be numbers on a page; it will be the map that guides the nation to a brighter, more electrified future.