Governor Otu Commits to Rural Electrification to Spur Economic Growth in Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has affirmed his administration’s commitment to meet the counterpart funding requirements set by the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to facilitate mini-grid power supply to rural communities. This initiative aims to bolster the state’s micro-economies, particularly in agricultural and rural areas, by improving productivity levels through enhanced access to electricity.

During a courtesy visit by the REA management team in Calabar, Governor Otu expressed readiness to provide the necessary 30 percent counterpart funding to attract REA’s interventions, highlighting the pivotal role of power supply in driving rural economies and achieving energy and food security in Cross River.

Commending the REA for ongoing projects such as the 7-megawatt power project for the University of Calabar and the University Teaching Hospital, Governor Otu underscored the significance of reliable electricity in advancing education and healthcare services.

Governor Otu also disclosed plans to enact a Cross River energy law, positioning the state as an energy exporter with a capacity of nearly 600 megawatts. This legislative framework aims to optimize energy resources and support sustainable development initiatives.

In response, Mallam Abba Aliu, the MD of REA, elucidated the agency’s role in promoting electrification programs and administering the Rural Electrification Fund. He emphasized the importance of counterpart funding from states for project implementation and highlighted REA’s ‘Energy Agriculture Initiative’ to enhance agricultural productivity through solar mini-grids.

Aliu assured Governor Otu of REA’s commitment to implementing various interventions in Cross River, positioning the state as a priority area for electrification projects.