The federal government on Friday inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), charging members to adopt people-centred leadership.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, while inaugurating the board in Abuja, stressed the need for members to ensure that every policy directly improved the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, chairs the board.

Mr Tegbe said the constitution of the board aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s drive to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability across public institutions.

While describing the agency as a vital catalyst for economic inclusion, he noted that off-grid interventions such as mini-grids, solar home systems and the electrification of markets, health centres, schools and farms represent direct investments in human capital.

He listed key initiatives already driving the vision, including the energising education, energising economies and energising agriculture programmes, alongside the Africa Mini-Grids Programme.

According to him, the new board, constituted under Section 130 of the Electricity Act, assumes office at a critical juncture in the agency’s trajectory.

Mr Tegbe also clarified operational boundaries, emphasising a clear separation between strategic oversight and day-to-day execution.

He noted that while the non-executive board provides high-level policy direction during its quarterly meetings, management retains operational autonomy, subject to strict performance accountability.

Commending the board chairman and the new board members, the minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing continuous support, stating that electricity remained a fundamental tool for national prosperity and social inclusion.

In his response, Mr Fayose commended Mr Tegbe’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a decisive step toward fixing Nigeria’s power sector rather than a routine political assignment.

He also commended the minister’s technical depth and managerial competence, noting that his leadership had brought a positive turning point to the power sector.

The former governor assured the minister of the board’s full dedication to delivering on REA’s mandate.

The occasion was attended by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Power, the REA managing director, board members and senior management officials.

(NAN)