The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has ranked the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as the best-performing agency in integrity, compliance, and ethics in Nigeria’s power sector.
The ranking appears in the Commission’s 2025 MDAs scorecard. It highlights the agency’s strong governance systems and compliance culture.
ICPC said the ranking reflects REA’s improved internal processes and transparency. The agency strengthened its governance structure over the past two years.
The report described the achievement as a major sign of institutional reform and accountability.
REA also ranked among the top 15 MDAs under the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Effectiveness Index. Nationally, the agency now sits in 20th position.
From 157th to Top Performer
The latest ranking shows a sharp turnaround for REA.
In 2020, ICPC ranked the agency 157th out of 220 MDAs, with a score of 31.4 percent. Today, REA scores 71.98 percent.
This marks an improvement of over 50 percent in performance.
The agency atrributes this progress to reforms under its Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
Since his appointment by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aliyu has pushed for transparency and accountability and also promoted strict compliance with ethical standards.
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Staff now align their work with clear governance frameworks.
ICPC assessed MDAs based on key indicators. These include financial management, administrative systems, and transparency.
REA improved across all these areas. The agency strengthened internal controls and upgraded its reporting systems.
Its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit also plays a key role. The unit monitors compliance and promotes ethical conduct across departments.
Boosting Trust in the Power Sector
REA implements Nigeria’s rural electrification and renewable energy programmes. Its improved ranking strengthens trust among investors and development partners.
It also boosts confidence among communities that depend on its projects.
Despite the milestone, REA aims higher. The agency plans to break into the top 10 MDAs in the next ranking cycle.
Officials say they will continue to strengthen governance systems and improve service delivery.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
