By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly conduct a comprehensive National Energy Survey using the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework (MTF), aimed at strengthening energy data and supporting evidence-based planning in Nigeria’s power sector.
The agreement, signed in Abuja by REA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and the Statistician-General of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, formalizes a strategic collaboration between the two federal agencies.
The survey will be implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank and is expected to generate high-quality, analytical data on electricity access, affordability, and the use of grid and off-grid energy solutions across the country.
Speaking at the signing, Dr. Aliyu said the partnership reflects REA’s commitment to data-driven rural electrification planning. According to him, the survey will provide granular and credible insights that will directly inform national initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), while also boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“This collaboration will deliver the kind of reliable data needed to plan effectively, target interventions, and accelerate access to electricity, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” Aliyu said.
Prince Adeniran emphasized the role of robust statistical standards in national development, noting that NBS will provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to ensure the survey aligns with global best practices.
“Reliable data is the foundation of sound policy and sustainable development. NBS is pleased to support this initiative by ensuring methodological rigor and data credibility,” he said.
Under the MoU, the two agencies will collaborate to assess energy access at household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels; analyze household energy affordability, expenditure patterns, and willingness to pay; and examine the adoption and use of off-grid technologies such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions.
REA will serve as a key implementation and policy partner, offering sector expertise, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national rural electrification priorities. NBS will provide regulatory approval, methodological validation, technical supervision, and capacity building for enumerators.
The World Bank, through ESMAP, will fund and technically oversee the survey and engage a qualified survey firm to carry out field data collection, analysis, and reporting.
The MoU will run for 18 months, with findings expected to support national energy planning, improve programme targeting, guide private sector investments, and advance Nigeria’s goal of universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
The partnership underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved energy data availability, and sustainable electrification across Nigeria.