Several Nigerians have expressed displeasure at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Both agencies are headquartered in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
According to an X post from REA, the MOU which aims to enhance the quality of rural electrification solutions, was signed on Sunday at the ongoing climate change conference, otherwise known as COP28.
“This Memorandum of Understanding signifies not only a partnership but a pact to empower lives through the transformative power of clean and accessible energy,” REA said.
“At the REA, we are inspired by the prospect of leveraging the strengths of both organizations.
“Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of research and development, driving innovation that will redefine the energy landscape of our nation.”
The agency also said it would collaborate with NASENI in establishing and enforcing quality standards and specifications for rural electrification equipment and systems, as well as ensuring the reliability and safety of electrification projects.
“To share knowledge, data, and information related to rural electrification. To promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass, in rural electrification projects, contributing to sustainability and environmental goals,” REA said.
“Aid the development and maintenance of infrastructure necessary for rural electrification, including power distribution networks and access to energy services.”
However, social media users have knocked the agencies for travelling outside the continent to sign the document, describing the move as utterly ridiculous.
“This joke is taken too far. Imagine CEOs of two Nigerian agencies REA and NASEN whose offices are less than 30 minutes drive from each other signing Memo in COP28 Dubai. @officialBAT needs to arrest this ugly situation in his administration before his appointees turn the administration into an object of caricature,” Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), tweeted.
