The Rural Electrification Agency has commissioned a 50–100 kilowatts solar mini-grid power project in Namu, Qua’an Pan local government area of Plateau State, where the managing director and chief executive officer, Dr. Abba Aliyu, announced that the federal government had approved a $750 million renewable energy programme.
He disclosed that the project, implemented by the REA, was part of a global rural energy access initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to him, the programme is designed to deliver electricity to over 17.5 million Nigerians through more than 1,350 mini-grids nationwide. Plateau State, he added, would benefit from 42 mini-grid projects, 10 of which are sited in Qua’an Pan LGA.
“Plateau is fast emerging as a clean energy hub because of the enabling environment your administration has created through landmark reforms and the establishment of the Plateau State Energy Corporation,” he said.
UNDP resident representative, Dr. Elsie Attafuah commended the state government for its inclusive development approach and prioritization of sustainable energy.
She reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives as drivers of economic transformation, climate resilience, and peacebuilding in rural communities.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang in his remarks while commissioning the facility described it as the beginning of a new journey towards transforming rural economies and empowering local communities.
He said access to clean and reliable energy remained central to his administration’s vision of stimulating agro-allied industries, small-scale enterprises, and rural livelihoods.
“Today, Qua’an Pan that once sat in darkness has seen the light,” the governor said, “Great things begin small, and this project is a symbol of our determination to walk the talk in providing sustainable infrastructure that unlocks rural wealth.”
Mutfwang said the solar mini-grid represents the first of three key interventions his administration was pursuing for the people of Qua’an Pan—rural electrification, improved road connectivity and access to clean water.
He further disclosed that construction work on the Jibam–Namu road was already underway, with several kilometers nearing completion.
The governor lauded the federal government, REA, UNDP and GEF for their collaboration and urged the people of Namu, particularly the youth, to safeguard the facility and use the opportunity to engage in productive ventures that would drive local development.
“Energy is the backbone of every economy,” he noted, “What we are witnessing today is not merely the commissioning of a facility, but the birth of a new dream for our people, a dream of light, hope, and shared prosperity.”
Chairman of Qua’an Pan LGA, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Mutfwang, the federal government and development partners for “bringing light to Namu.”
He described the project as “a leap from poverty to productivity,” and pledged the community’s readiness to maintain the facility.
The project developers and energy experts, Engr. Theophilus Weke of Cloud Energy Photo-Electric and Dr. Bala Tyoden, project manager of the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, highlighted Namu’s vast agro-economic potential and pledged continued collaboration to expand the grid’s capacity from 100 kilowatts to 2 megawatts in the near future.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic switching-on of power and inspection of agro-processing units now connected to the solar mini-grid, ushering in a new dawn of productivity, innovation, and economic renewal for the Namu community.
