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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. @officialABAT 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.

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. @officialABAT needs to arrest this ugly situation in his administration before his appointees turn the… pic.twitter.com/3BfscEqnE3

— D. H Bwala (@BwalaDaniel) December 4, 2023

The development comes after the federal government came in for plenty of flak for the size of its delegation to COP28.

On Monday, the ministry of information said the federal government only sponsored 422 people to the climate conference and not 1,411 as was widely reported.

Here are some reactions to the MoU signing that has got X users outraged.

Two agencies from Nigeria signed a partnership agreement in Dubai. The driving distance between them is less than 10km in Abuja but they accomplished a great feat when the two of them traveled 5,360km (2900 nautical miles) to Dubai to sign the agreement. https://t.co/5isfiYGaQ7

— Mr Explainer – Gaskiya Tafi Kobo – Elite Buharist (@MrExplainerNG) December 4, 2023

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Shame 😭😭😭. REA and NASENI left Abuja, Nigeria to sign MOU in Dubai
Shame on @TheREANigeria
and @NASENIHQ
The driving distance between the two agencies is less than 10km in Abuja but they traveled 5,360km (2900 nautical miles) to Dubai to sign the agreement.
When… pic.twitter.com/KaVAd5tzix

— President Eniola Daniel (@UnlimitedEniola) December 4, 2023

According to this post, Nigeria Agencies, REA & NASENI, achieved wonders by traveling 5,360km to Dubai to sign what they could have signed back in Nigeria. The distance by road between the two is less than 10km in Abuja. Now you understand how waste in the form of estacode works? https://t.co/Ld5kKyi7TX

— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) December 4, 2023

Lolllll.
From Naseni to REA is like 8 mins without traffic and less say 20 mins max with traffic.

You guys thought it's better to set a stage in Dubai and do all of this.

Okay o. It is well. https://t.co/JPpLYg2uGV

— Elder Imran (@ElderImran) December 4, 2023

loving the ratio on this handle, REA & NASENI, 2 ultra useless agencies used to distribute prebendal appointments like many others, clowns in Government https://t.co/Xd8lQwcWD9

— Ewoma Vese (@womiv) December 4, 2023

REA and NASENI are based in Nigeria, but they went to Dubai to sign MOU with themselves??? I keep saying it APC will finish Nigeria with lies and propaganda! https://t.co/UhQJLkJgYh

— Anti-Agbado! (@Oserume1) December 3, 2023