The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national energy data architecture through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement provides a framework for collaboration on the conduct of a comprehensive National Energy Survey using the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework (MTF). The survey is being implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank and is expected to deliver high-quality data to support evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria’s power and energy sector.

The MoU was signed in Abuja by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Aliyu said the partnership reinforces REA’s commitment to data-driven rural electrification planning. He explained that the survey will provide detailed insights into electricity access, affordability and the adoption of off-grid energy solutions across the country. According to him, the data will directly inform national initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP) while also boosting investor confidence in the sector.

Prince Adeniran highlighted the importance of robust statistical standards, noting that NBS will provide technical oversight, sampling expertise and quality assurance to ensure the survey meets global best practices. He stressed that reliable data remains critical to effective policy formulation and sustainable development.

Under the MoU, both agencies will jointly assess energy access at household, community, enterprise and public institution levels; analyse energy affordability, spending patterns and willingness to pay; and examine the adoption of off-grid technologies including solar home systems, mini-grids and clean cooking solutions.

REA will act as the key implementation and policy partner, providing sector expertise, stakeholder engagement and alignment with national electrification priorities. NBS will be responsible for regulatory approvals, methodology validation, technical supervision and enumerator capacity building to ensure data credibility.

The World Bank, through ESMAP, will fund and provide technical oversight for the survey and engage a qualified firm to handle data collection, analysis and reporting.

The MoU will remain valid for 18 months, with findings expected to support national energy planning, improve programme targeting, guide private sector investment and accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.