Abba Aliyu

Abba Abubakar Aliyu is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), providing strategic leadership in energy access, renewable energy, investment mobilisation and institutional development. With over two decades of experience across the public, private and development sectors, he has focused on expanding electricity access and strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem.

Under his leadership, REA is implementing the US$750 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, targeting over 1,350 mini-grids, while the Agency’s interventions have extended sustainable energy access to more than 9 million Nigerians. He has also supported over ₦350 billion in local-currency financing, more than US$425 million in investment commitments towards local solar PV and lithium battery manufacturing, and the development of a Renewable Energy Asset Management Company (RAMCo).

Previously, Aliyu served at Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), where he contributed to electricity market development and power procurement, and as Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Power on Policy. His leadership continues to advance integrated electrification planning, private sector investment and sustainable energy access across Nigeria.