Otti vows to fast-track renewable energy partnership with REA
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to accelerate renewable energy projects across the state, saying Abia cannot afford to fall behind despite its enormous potential.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the REA, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti promised to resolve outstanding issues delaying the implementation of existing agreements with the federal agency.
The governor admitted that Abia’s progress in renewable energy has been slower than expected but assured the delegation that his administration would act quickly.
“Watch what happens in the next 14 days. This presentation has provided valuable data that we need to work with. We will get back to you within the next 14 days, starting with the renewable energy initiative covering ten states,” Otti said.
He also highlighted the state’s introduction of electric buses, describing the initiative as a successful step toward promoting clean and sustainable energy.
To improve coordination, Otti announced that the state would immediately appoint a focal person to work with the REA and other stakeholders.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the agency had mapped communities across Nigeria to identify areas requiring rural electrification and was currently deploying 1,000 mini-grids nationwide.
Aliyu noted that although a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Abia State last year had experienced delays, the REA remains ready to support the state once it demonstrates renewed commitment to implementing the projects.
The meeting was attended by the Governor’s Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, as well as members of the Abia State Executive Council.
