New Dawn for Namu as Solar Project Brings Light to Qua'an Pan
Plateau State has reached a significant milestone in its rural electrification program with the official commissioning of a 50-100 kilowatt solar mini-grid power project in Namu, Qua'an Pan Local Government Area. The project was inaugurated on 16 November 2025 by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, marking a transformative moment for the community.
Collaborative Effort for Rural Development
The solar mini-grid represents a successful partnership between multiple stakeholders. Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the project received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaboration forms part of a global initiative to expand energy access in rural communities.
During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mutfwang described the project as "the beginning of a new journey toward transforming rural economies and empowering local communities." He emphasized that reliable energy access remains central to his administration's vision of stimulating agricultural industries, small-scale businesses, and improving rural livelihoods.
"Today, Qua'an Pan, that once sat in darkness, has seen the light. 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," the Governor stated.
Comprehensive Development Approach
Governor Mutfwang revealed that the solar project represents the first of three key interventions planned for Qua'an Pan residents. The comprehensive development package includes:
- Rural electrification through renewable energy
- Improved road connectivity
- Access to clean water
The Governor confirmed that construction work on the Jibam–Namu Road is already progressing, with several kilometers nearing completion. He urged the people of Namu, particularly the youth, to protect the facility and leverage the new energy access to launch productive ventures that would drive local economic growth.
"Energy is the backbone of every economy," Mutfwang 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."
Federal Support and Future Expansion
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, explained that the Namu project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to expand rural energy access through renewable solutions. He announced significant federal backing for similar initiatives across Nigeria.
The Federal Government has approved a $750 million renewable energy program, described as the largest publicly funded clean energy initiative globally. This ambitious program aims to provide electricity to over 17.5 million Nigerians through more than 1,350 mini-grids nationwide.
Plateau State stands to benefit substantially from this federal initiative, with 42 mini-grid projects planned across the state. Qua'an Pan Local Government Area alone will host 10 of these projects, indicating the region's strategic importance in the state's energy transition.
Dr. Aliyu praised Governor Mutfwang's leadership, noting that "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."
International Recognition and Community Response
The UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Elsie Attafuah, commended the Plateau 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.
The Chairman of Qua'an Pan LGA, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, expressed profound gratitude 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 commitment to maintaining the facility.
Project developers and energy experts, including Engineer Theophilus Weke of Cloud Energy Photo-Electric and Dr. Bala Yoden, Project Manager of the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, highlighted Namu's significant agricultural economic potential. They announced plans to expand the grid's capacity from the current 100 kilowatts to 2 megawatts in the near future, indicating substantial growth potential for the initiative.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic switching-on of power and inspection of agro-processing units now connected to the solar mini-grid, ushering in a new era of sustainable development for the Namu community.
