In a significant affirmation of institutional reform, governance, and transparency, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has secured the No. 1 position in Nigeria’s power sector in the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Ranking conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ranking, released in a report titled: ‘Ethic and Integrity Compliance Scorecard of MDAs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2025’, underscores the agency’s strong adherence to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability, as well as the robustness of its governance structures, operational systems, and compliance culture over the past two years.
Furtherance to this achievement, REA has also been ranked among the top 15 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit Effectiveness Index (AEI)—a key performance indicator used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of ACTUs across public institutions. Nationally, the Agency is currently ranked 20th overall, reflecting a strong upward trajectory in institutional accountability.
This progress becomes even more remarkable when compared with the ICPC’s 2020 ranking cycle, where REA was placed 157th out of 220 MDAs, with an overall performance score of 31.4%. Its current score of 71.98% represents an improvement of over 50 percentage points, highlighting a sustained and deliberate transformation in governance and institutional practices.
Beyond the numbers, the ICPC’s recognition marks a defining milestone in REA’s reform journey. This transformation has been driven by a systemic shift in internal governance and administration under the leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Abba Abubakar Aliyu. Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu two years ago, Aliyu has championed a governance culture rooted in compliance, transparency, and performance-driven leadership.
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Under his stewardship, staff across the Agency have been consistently aligned with established ethical frameworks and institutional standards, ensuring that integrity is not merely procedural but deeply embedded within REA’s operational culture.
The ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Ranking evaluates MDAs based on key parameters, including management structure, financial systems, administrative processes, and transparency mechanisms. REA’s strong performance across these metrics reflects a coordinated effort to strengthen internal controls, improve reporting systems, and foster accountability at all levels.
Equally notable is the Agency’s strong showing in the AEI ranking, which highlights the growing effectiveness of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). Through proactive oversight, continuous staff sensitization, and strengthened compliance monitoring, the ACTU has become a central pillar of REA’s governance framework.
As the implementing agency for Nigeria’s rural electrification and renewable energy initiatives, REA’s credibility and institutional integrity are critical to sustaining trust among stakeholders, including development partners, investors, and energy access beneficiaries nationwide.
While the Agency’s current ranking is commendable, its leadership remains forward-looking, with a clear target of breaking into the top 10 MDAs nationally in the next assessment cycle. This ambition reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and the understanding that institutional excellence is an ongoing journey.
In conclusion, this recognition by the ICPC not only validates the ongoing reforms within the Rural Electrification Agency but also reinforces its commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence in public service. As REA continues on this upward trajectory, it remains focused on strengthening governance systems, deepening institutional integrity, and delivering impactful energy access solutions that improve the lives of Nigerians.
