Business
REA, NBS Sign MoU To Boost Data-Driven Energy Initiatives
The Rural Electrification Agency and the National Bureau of Statistics have entered into a strategic partnership to conduct a comprehensive National Energy Survey aimed at strengthening data-driven planning in Nigeria’s power and energy sector.
The partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Abuja by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, and Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran .
A statement issued by the REA on Tuesday disclosed that the survey will be conducted using the globally recognised Multi-Tier Tracking Framework and implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme of the World Bank.
According to the agency, the initiative is designed to generate high-quality and analytical energy data that will support evidence-based policymaking, programme design, and investment decisions across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
The statement read, “The Rural Electrification Agency and the National Bureau of Statistics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the conduct of a comprehensive National Energy Survey using the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework in Nigeria.
“The MoU formalises a strategic partnership between the two Federal Government agencies to provide mutual collaboration and technical support for the survey, which is being implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program of the World Bank.
“The initiative is designed to generate high-quality, analytical data to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation in Nigeria’s power and energy sector.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aliyu said the collaboration underscored the agency’s commitment to data-driven rural electrification and sustainable energy access.
“This collaboration will provide granular, credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across Nigeria. The findings will directly inform national electrification initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan, while also strengthening investor confidence in the sector,” he said.
He explained that the outcome of the survey would directly inform national electrification initiatives, including the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan, while also boosting investor confidence in the power sector.
“As we work towards universal energy access, accurate data remains critical to prioritising interventions, targeting underserved communities and attracting private capital into the sector,” Aliyu added.
On his part, Adeniran emphasised the role of robust statistical standards in national development planning, noting that the NBS would ensure the credibility and reliability of the survey results.
“NBS is pleased to provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to ensure that the survey adheres to global best practices,” he said.
“Reliable data is fundamental to effective policy formulation and sustainable development, particularly in a sector as critical as energy,” Adeniran stated.
Under the terms of the MoU, both agencies will collaborate to assess energy access at the household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels using the Multi-Tier Framework.
The survey will also examine household energy affordability, expenditure patterns, and willingness to pay for both grid-connected and off-grid solutions, while analysing access to and usage of off-grid technologies such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions.
The REA will serve as a key implementation and policy partner, providing sector expertise, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and alignment with Nigeria’s rural electrification priorities.
Meanwhile, the NBS will be responsible for regulatory approvals, sampling frames, methodological validation, technical supervision, and capacity building for enumerators to ensure data quality and credibility.
The World Bank, through its Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme, will fund and provide technical oversight for the survey, while engaging a qualified survey firm to handle field data collection, analysis, and reporting.
It explained, “Under the MoU, the Parties will work together to: Assess energy access at household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels using the Multi-Tier Framework; Examine household energy affordability, expenditure patterns, and willingness to pay for grid and off-grid solutions;
“Analyse access to and usage of off-grid technologies, including solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions.
“REA will serve as a key implementation and policy partner, providing sectoral expertise, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and alignment with Nigeria’s rural electrification priorities.
“NBS will provide regulatory approval, sampling frames, methodological validation, technical supervision, and capacity building for enumerators, ensuring data quality and credibility.”
The MoU is expected to remain in force for 18 months, with data generated from the exercise projected to support national energy planning, improve programme targeting, guide private sector investments, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition towards universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
The collaboration comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s long-standing electricity access gap, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where millions of households still lack reliable power despite ongoing reforms and investment initiatives.
The availability of credible, up-to-date energy data remains a critical constraint to effective planning and sustainable investment in the sector.
The partnership, therefore, signals the Federal Government’s renewed push to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve the availability of reliable energy statistics, and advance inclusive and sustainable electrification nationwide.
Petrol and cooking gas prices declined year-on-year in December 2025, signalling a gradual easing of household energy costs, according to separate reports released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Naija News reports that data from the bureau showed that both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly used for cooking, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, recorded notable price reductions compared with December 2024, alongside modest month-on-month declines.
The NBS noted that while the downward trend was observed across most states and geopolitical zones, prices continued to vary widely depending on location.
5kg Of Cooking Gas Price Drops By 25%
According to the report, the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of LPG declined by 1.20 per cent month-on-month, falling from ₦5,425.78 in November 2025 to ₦5,360.43 in December 2025.
On a year-on-year basis, the price fell sharply by 25.31 per cent, down from ₦7,177.27 recorded in December 2024.
Confirming the trend, the NBS stated, “The average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) decreased by 1.20 per cent on a month-on-month basis,” adding that the year-on-year decline stood at 25.31 per cent.”
A state-level analysis showed that Kaduna recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at ₦5,838.66, followed by Jigawa at ₦5,825.09 and Osun at ₦5,777.80.
On the lower end, Katsina recorded the cheapest average price at ₦4,855.80.
Similarly, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG fell by 0.74 per cent month-on-month, declining from ₦13,538.79 in November 2025 to ₦13,438.90 in December 2025.
Year-on-year, the price dropped by 22.20 per cent from ₦17,274.16 recorded in December 2024.
On a state-by-state basis, Abia recorded the highest average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at ₦14,489.96, followed by Osun at ₦14,444.50 and Delta at ₦14,393.17, the bureau said.
Petrol Price Dips To ₦1,048
The NBS also reported a decline in the average retail price of petrol.
According to the report, the average price of Premium Motor Spirit stood at ₦1,048.63 in December 2025, representing an 11.81 per cent decrease compared with ₦1,189.12 recorded in December 2024.
The bureau stated, “The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) for December 2025 was ₦1,048.63.”
On a month-on-month basis, petrol prices declined by 1.20 per cent, down from ₦1,061.35 recorded in November 2025.
Further analysis showed that Kogi State recorded the highest average petrol price at ₦1,104.45, while Oyo State had the lowest at ₦996.55.
Regionally, the North East emerged as the most expensive zone for petrol, while the South West recorded the lowest average prices.
Nigeria’s naira recorded one of its strongest performances in months on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, appreciating sharply against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange window amid improving liquidity and rising confidence in the country’s FX reforms.
The local currency strengthened to around ₦1,400 per dollar at the official market, marking its firmest level since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN implemented sweeping FX reforms.
The move signals easing pressure on the naira and renewed optimism among investors and market participants.
According to the CBN’s daily foreign exchange report, the naira closed at ₦1,401.22 per dollar, representing a 1.27 percent appreciation on the day.
Market operators described the move as a reflection of improved dollar supply and stronger participation by banks and other authorised dealers.
Traders said the official window saw increased volumes, with the improved liquidity helping to narrow volatility and reduce speculative demand.
The latest performance reinforces the view that the reforms aimed at unifying exchange rates and improving price discovery are beginning to yield results.
The positive momentum extended to the parallel market, where the naira also posted modest gains.
Channel checks showed the local currency appreciating by about 0.33 per cent to trade around ₦1,476 per dollar. While the gap between the official and parallel rates remains, analysts say the narrowing spread reflects improving confidence across both the regulated and informal segments of the FX market.
According to a report by MarketForces Africa, reduced arbitrage opportunities and stronger supply conditions are helping to stabilise pricing.
The naira’s rally comes against the backdrop of rising external reserves, which have strengthened the CBN’s ability to intervene when necessary and support market liquidity.
Higher reserves are widely viewed as a key confidence signal for foreign investors, particularly portfolio investors who remain sensitive to currency risk.
Market watchers say consistent inflows from export earnings, improved remittance flows, and cautious monetary management have all contributed to the improved outlook for the naira in recent weeks.
Clarivo Oil and Gas, led by Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has announced plans to build a world-class oil refinery in Calabar, Cross River State, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Obidike said the project will be implemented in phases, in collaboration with foreign partners to bring advanced technical expertise and international industry standards.
The planned refinery will feature state-of-the-art technologies, including crude distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating units, enabling the production of high-quality petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.
The phased approach will begin with feasibility studies and front-end engineering design, followed by construction of core processing units, and conclude with installation of secondary units and commissioning.
Chief Obidike noted that the refinery aims to increase domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security. He added that the project is expected to create significant employment across engineering, construction, operations, and logistics, while facilitating technology transfer through partnerships with international EPC contractors and investors.
On funding, he revealed that agreements with foreign stakeholders are being finalized to provide both technical and financial support. The refinery is projected to come online within five years, following the completion of all project phases and regulatory approvals.
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