The Nigeria Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has responded to recent allegations of financial impropriety by high-ranking personnel in the agency’s finance department. The exposé, which was first published by PREMIUM TIMES, revealed a massive fraud within the agency, triggering immediate action and reforms.
Muntari Ibrahim, the agency’s acting head of Promotion, Information, and Outreach, acknowledged the difficulties the organisation has faced, as detailed in the investigative piece.
“We acknowledge the recent surge of publications discussing various petitions, investigations, and allegations of corruption within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Notably, a recent report by Premium Times highlights significant changes within the Agency, prompted by media coverage, shedding light on longstanding issues plaguing the organization,” the spokesperson wrote.
Ibrahim went on to confirm that recent reports accurately reflect actions taken within the agency, including staff redeployments, suspensions, and ongoing investigations related to process deficiencies and a lack of accountability.
A Significant Alleged Fraud
The PREMIUM TIMES report detailed how anti-corruption agencies discovered approximately N1.2 billion in the personal accounts of six REA finance and account department staff, all without any clear justification. Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), in addition to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, are investigating this alleged fraud. Five of the implicated officials have been suspended pending the outcome of these investigations.
The alleged mastermind behind the fraudulent activities, according to statements by the involved officials, is Abubakar Sambo, the agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts. Sambo allegedly colluded with other individuals at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to execute the fraud.
Mr. Sambo Redeployed
Addressing the situation, REA’s spokesperson, Muntari Ibrahim, stated that the embattled Director of Finance and Accounts, Abubakar Sambo, has been redeployed from the REA. He clarified that Sambo was a seconded officer from the Office of the Accountant General and that the allegations against him and other core REA staff are still under investigation by anti-corruption authorities.
“The most significant change is the redeployment of the Director of the Funds and Accounts Department – a seconded officer from the Office of the Accountant General. This marks a significant step forward, as it demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to accountability,” Ibrahim explained.
Reforms and Commitment to Accountability
Ibrahim highlighted the agency’s efforts to reform its activities and realign its vision with its original purpose. He noted that since its establishment in 2006, REA faced numerous challenges, including a lack of strategic direction during its initial ten years. However, a new board and management appointed in 2017 initiated a cultural shift within the agency.
Despite the obstacles posed by institutional and sectoral challenges, the agency’s Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo, has been working towards aligning electrification projects with the goal of improving the lives of rural communities in a sustainable manner.
