Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Headquarters and Divisions
Headquarters and Zonal Offices

• Headquarters Location: Based in the Federal Capital Territory.
• Zonal Operational Offices: Can be set up in the six geopolitical zones or in States as approved by the Board.

Divisions at Headquarters

1. Rural Electrification Fund Division:
• Headed by an Executive Director.
• Includes the Fund Management Directorate under direct supervision.
2. Engineering and Technical Services Division:
• Headed by an Executive Director.
• Includes the Projects Support Directorate under direct supervision.
3. Corporate Services Division:
• Headed by an Executive Director.
• Includes:
• Planning, Research, and Promotion Directorate
• Finance and Administration Directorate

Qualifications and Responsibilities of Executive Directors

1. General Qualifications:
• Academic and professional qualifications in relevant fields such as power, engineering, law, accounting, corporate communication, project management, public administration.
• Relevant experience and competence.
2. Executive Director, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Fund Division:
• Oversee the Rural Electrification Fund Management Directorate.
• Implement Agency policies related to the Rural Electrification Fund.
• Supervise Directorate work and report to the Managing Director or the Board.
• Coordinate expenditure estimates and development plans.
3. Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services Division:
• Head the Engineering and Technical Services Division.
• Oversee the Projects Support Directorate.
• Implement Agency policies related to rural electrification, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
• Supervise Directorate work and report to the Managing Director or the Board.
• Ensure expenditure estimates align with Agency objectives.
4. Executive Director, Corporate Services Division:
• Head the Corporate Services Division.
• Oversee the Planning, Research, and Promotion Directorate to promote rural electrification and create awareness.
• Oversee the Finance and Administration Directorate to manage the Agency’s internal finance and administration.

Responsibilities of Directorates and Management
REF Management Directorate

• Establishment and Administration: Establish and manage the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to provide capital subsidies to qualified rural electrification schemes.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure compliance with policy guidelines and procedures for administering the REF, focusing on transparency and accountability.
• Coordination: Coordinate rural electrification projects at local, zonal, and federal levels.
• Additional Functions: Perform any other relevant functions as approved by the Board.

Engineering and Technical Services Directorate

• Technical Support:Provide technical support for Agency projects including planning, survey, analysis, technical design, evaluations, verifications, and production of bill of engineering measurement and evaluation.
• Monitoring and Supervision: Monitor and supervise projects to ensure compliance with standards and global best practices.
• Technical Partnerships: Facilitate technical support from public and private sector partnerships.

Projects Support Directorate

• Technical Support for Schemes:Provide technical support for rural electrification schemes as per policy guidelines to protect consumers and service providers.
• Project Monitoring: Monitor and supervise project development and implementation to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Safety and Quality Assurance:Ensure that projects supported by the REF meet safety standards, quality requirements, and are cost-effective.

Planning, Research and Promotion Directorate

• Promotion:Promote rural electrification throughout Nigeria.
• Information Clearinghouse: Serve as an information hub and promote public awareness.
• Data Collection: Work with the Ministry responsible for power to collect data on rural electrification, including existing and planned projects, renewable energy sources, and technological innovations.

Finance and Administration Directorate

• Financial and Administrative Management: Handle internal financial and administrative management of the Agency.
• Liaison with Zonal Offices: Coordinate with zonal offices regarding staff matters.

Rural Electrification Fund (REF)
Establishment and Funding Sources

• Sources of Funds:
• Operating surpluses of the Commission.
• Fines and penalties collected by the Commission.
• Donations, grants, gifts, assistance, or loans from various entities.
• Special intervention funds from governments.
• Endowments and bequests.
• Funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
• 2% of the Commission's tariff structure as operational costs.

Purpose of the REF

• Equitable Access: Achieve more equitable regional access to electricity.
• Maximizing Benefits: Maximize economic, social, and environmental benefits of rural electrification subsidies.
• Grid and Off-Grid Expansion: Promote grid expansion and off-grid electrification.
• Innovation and Research: Stimulate innovative approaches and research in rural electrification and renewable energy.
• Adopt Best Practices: Implement programs adopting international best practices.
• Infrastructure Development: Develop infrastructure and capacity for renewable energy for electrification.

Management and Contributions

• Management: Managed by the Fund Management Directorate under the supervision of the Executive Director, Fund Division.
• Contribution Rates: Determined by the Commission, considering the impact on eligible customers and licensees.
• Collections and Payments: Contributions collected and paid to the REF as per procedures established by the Agency.

Disbursement of Funds

• Criteria for Allocation: Established objectively and transparently, considering financial support needs, progress in rural electrification, and local matching funding.
• Procedure: Open, competitive, and transparent procedures for disbursement, with eligibility and selection criteria.
• Eligibility and Selection Criteria: Based on technical, economic, and financial viability, support for rural development, and level of community and investor commitment.

Penalties and Application of Funds

• Penalties: Fines for non-payment of contributions.
• Application of Funds: Funds used for projects, administration, publicity, allowances, salaries, and other activities approved by the Board.

Tax Exemption

• Exemption from Income Tax: All money sources paid into the REF are exempt from income tax.

Minister's Supervisory Powers

• Policy Responsibilities:
• Formulate, amend, and implement the National Rural Electrification Policy.
• Issue directives to the Agency for policy implementation.
• Make recommendations to the Agency on performance of its functions.
• Review the Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan every two years with the President's approval.

Collaboration with State Boards

• Execution and Coordination:
• Collaborate with State Rural Electrification Boards or related state agencies.
• Encourage states to establish Local Government Rural Electrification Implementation Committees.
• State Legislation:
• State Houses of Assembly to make laws for the structure, operation, and functions of State Electricity Boards and Local Government Committees.

Agency Liaison and Support

• Effective Liaison:
• Work with State Boards and Local Government Committees to assess electrification status and review project progress.
• Implement awareness programs on renewable energy opportunities.
• Resolve land acquisition and access disputes for rural electrification projects.
• Advise on best strategies for achieving rural electrification goals.
• Strategic Assistance:
• Assist in formulating strategic plans for rural electrification projects.
• Provide information and advice to enhance implementation efficiency.
• Offer technical and financial assistance, including training and technology transfer, to local communities.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Progress Reports:
• Quarterly reports by the Minister and Agency to the President on the implementation of the Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plans.
• Reports should cover:
• National grid expansion to rural areas.
• Development of off-grid power sources.
• Renewable energy power generation.
• Impact on economic inequalities in rural and peri-urban areas.
• Impact on the rural economy and gender inequalities.
• Achievement of strategic plan projects.

Project Monitoring Mechanisms

• Effective Monitoring:
• The Agency will provide machinery for monitoring rural electrification projects nationwide.
• Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) and geo-mapping technologies for effective project monitoring and data analysis.

Acceptance of Gifts

• Terms and Conditions:
• The Agency can accept gifts of land, money, or property under specified terms.
• Gifts inconsistent with the Agency’s functions under the Act will not be accepted.

Borrowing Powers

• Project Funding:
• With Board approval, the Agency may borrow money to execute or complete special projects.

Financial Management and Accountability

• Estimates Submission:
• Submit income and expenditure estimates to the National Assembly by 30 September annually.
• Accounts and Audits:
• Maintain proper accounts and records of transactions, assets, credits, and liabilities.
• Ensure payments and expenditures are correctly made and authorized.
• Quarterly internal audits and annual external audits.
• Auditor-General to inspect and audit accounts and records, reporting any irregularities.
• Forward audited financial statements to the Minister for National Assembly submission.
• Annual Reports:
• Submit an annual report to the Minister by 30 June, including audited accounts and auditor’s report.

Legal Protections and Indemnities

• Public Officers Protection Act:
• Apply provisions to suits against Agency officers or employees.
• 30-day notice before initiating suits.
• Execution Against the Agency:
  • No execution or attachment process without the Attorney-General’s consent.
• Indemnity:
• Indemnification of Board members and officers against civil or criminal proceedings if they are acquitted or receive favorable judgment.