Born: 6 March 1985
Profession: Economist | Researcher | Energy Expert | Fund Manager
Years of Experience: 15+
Political Affiliation: All Progressives Congress (APC) since 7 February 2014
Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare is a seasoned public servant with over 15 years of leadership in public service, strategic planning, PPPs, fund mobilization, energy management, and education reform.
Leadership in Government
In March 2017, at age 32, Ohiare became the youngest Executive Director in a federal agency in Nigeria, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
He was reappointed in January 2022 for another five-year term.
In February 2023, he resigned to contest in the Kogi State gubernatorial primary election held in April 2023 under the APC.
Early Life and Education
- Birthplace: Abuja, Nigeria
- Origin: Adavi LGA, Kogi State
- Father: Senator Mohammed Ohiare (former Senator, Kogi Central)
Academic Background
- B.Sc. Economics — University of Jos, Nigeria (2002–2006)
- M.Sc. Energy Studies (Energy Finance) — University of Dundee, UK (2009–2011)
- PhD Rural Energy Development — De Montfort University, Leicester, UK (2015)
Career Overview
Appointments
- Executive Director, REF – REA (2017–2023)
- Board Member, REA
Prior Experience
- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit):
National Advisor on Rural Electrification under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), co-funded by the EU and German Government
With nearly 16 years in rural electrification, he has significantly influenced energy access strategy and implementation in underserved communities.
Professional Memberships
- International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE)
- Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE)
- Lagos Oil Club
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
- Energy Institute (UK)
- Mandela Washington Fellowship (University of California, Davis)
Humanitarian Work & Speaking Engagements
In 2019, he established the Sanusi Ohiare Foundation to empower women and children in Africa through education, sports, and rural electrification.
He has delivered keynote speeches at major forums including:
- The 4th National Council on Power, Edo State
- Policy Dialogue Series, Abuja
- Other national and international energy development events
Key Achievements
- Enabled electrification of over 43,000 households through the REF’s ₦2 billion fund (as of 2019)
- Revived dormant funds to power communities like Akpabom (Akwa Ibom State), aiding 2,000+ people in agriculture and fisheries
- Strengthened rural energy equity through strategic fund distribution and grassroots impact
Publications
- The Evolution of Rural Household Electricity Demand in Grid-Connected Communities in Developing Countries
- Financing Rural Energy Projects in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria
- Financing Rural Energy Projects in China: Lessons from Nigeria – Vol. 3, No. 4, 2021, ISSN 1923-4023
Awards & Recognition
- Nigeria’s 10 Under 50 Leaders in Public Service (2021)
- British Council Global Finalist – Professional Achievement Award (2021)
- Young Leader, African Power, Energy & Water Industry Awards (2020)
- Traditional Title: Akiliwo Ejeh ("The Strength of the King") — conferred by HRH Ujah Simeon Sani, Ejeh of Olamaboro
References & External Links
- 🔗 Official Profile on REA Website(https://rea.gov.ng) (replace with direct link if available)