Rural Electrification Agency undergoes administrative, legal review

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a Federal Government of Nigeria agency responsible for expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Power, came under heightened administrative and regulatory review in 2023 following internal and external assessments of its financial and operational processes.

In March 2024, these developments resulted in the indefinite suspension of the Agency’s former Managing Director and members of the Executive Management.

The action was officially linked to concerns raised about weaknesses identified within certain government systems, operational procedures, and financial control mechanisms at the time.

As part of the broader review process, law enforcement agencies initiated investigations into aspects of the Agency’s procurement and payment procedures.

These inquiries examined approval workflows and the release of funds through established government financial platforms.

Prior to the suspensions, the former Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo, was reported to have raised concerns with relevant authorities regarding unusual payment patterns, particularly those associated with transactions processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

According to publicly available information, the REA Executive Management also commenced internal accountability procedures in line with public service rules. Officials within the finance and accounts departments were queried and placed on suspension, and recommendations from the Senior Staff Committee were forwarded to the supervising ministry for consideration.

Between August and September 2023, some REA officials were invited by law enforcement agencies to provide information relating to payment records, procurement documentation, and internal control processes connected to rural electrification projects across the country.

Subsequently, media reports in mid-2024 indicated that certain former REA officials were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with alleged irregularities related to payment processing. Court records referenced in public reporting show that the cases involved multiple charge numbers and included standard judicial procedures such as arraignment, remand, and interim forfeiture applications, all of which remain subject to the determination of the courts.

According to filings cited in open sources, investigators stated that some disputed transactions were processed outside established approval and audit procedures. Interim forfeiture orders were later granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in relation to properties linked to the ongoing cases, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.

Throughout the investigative, prosecutorial, and forfeiture processes arising from the REA reviews, publicly available court documents and charge sheets did not list the former Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo, or members of the former Executive Management team as defendants.

Based on a review of publicly accessible records, no criminal charges have been filed against Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, former Managing Director of the REA, or Engr. Barka Sajou, former Executive Director, Technical Services, as of the time of this report.

The REA matter has drawn attention to the broader challenges of internal financial controls and oversight mechanisms within public institutions.

It has also renewed public discussion on the importance of strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing transparency, and ensuring accountability through due process across Nigeria’s public sector.