Building Sustainability and Resilience in the Nigerian Power sector – A case study of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

The Architecture Engineering Construction Operational (AECO) industry has experienced challenges following the recent recession and COVID-19. As a result, this sector experienced a massive reduction of construction and infrastructure projects as investors are more cautious with capital investments and disruptions to existing projects caused by the restrictions to the movement of people and goods. With the increasing global population, more construction and infrastructure projects will be required to support the new normal's growing demands, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is an organisation launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide electricity to rural areas of the country. Having delivered numerous off-grid power stations that use renewable energy, the REA has launched several new initiatives, including the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), to support Nigeria's response to economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The ESP aims to build five million new solar-based connections in areas not connected to the national grid. This paper will explore how three policies led to creating the REA and how the REA projects can create opportunities for the AECO industry in Nigeria.