President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), effective January 23, 2025. The appointment is for an initial term of four years, according to a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Aliyu had been serving as the agency’s acting managing director since March 2024. With over 20 years of experience in energy and organizational development, Aliyu brings significant expertise from both the private and public sectors.

He has held leadership positions across several sectors, including on-grid and off-grid power, water resources, and transportation. Prior to his appointment, Aliyu led the Project Management Unit at the Nigeria Electrification Project and served as General Manager of Corporate Services, Projects, and Research, as well as Deputy General Manager at Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET).
President Tinubu expressed confidence that Aliyu will utilise his extensive experience to advance the REA’s mission, ensuring rural communities benefit from reliable electric power and supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable energy.