Plateau Community Emerges From Darkness With New Solar Power Project
Residents of Namu community in Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State are celebrating a new era of electricity access following the commissioning of a major solar power project by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. The event, which took place on November 17, 2025, marks a significant achievement in the state's rural electrification agenda.
The newly inaugurated 50-100 kilowatt Solar Mini-Grid Power Project represents a collaborative effort between the Plateau State Government, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative forms part of a broader global program aimed at expanding energy access to rural communities worldwide.
Transforming Rural Economies Through Clean Energy
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 development strategy, particularly for boosting agricultural processing, small businesses, and rural livelihoods.
"Today, Qua'an Pan that once sat in darkness has seen the light," the governor declared. "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."
Governor Mutfwang revealed that the solar mini-grid constitutes the first of three key interventions planned for Qua'an Pan residents, with rural electrification being complemented by improved road connectivity and access to clean water. He confirmed that construction work on the Jibam-Namu Road is already progressing, with several kilometers nearing completion.
Federal Government's Renewable Energy 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 made a significant announcement regarding the Federal Government's approval of a $750 million renewable energy program, which stands as the largest publicly funded clean energy initiative globally.
This massive program aims to deliver electricity to over 17.5 million Nigerians through more than 1,350 mini-grids across the nation. Plateau State is set to benefit substantially from this initiative, with 42 mini-grid projects planned, including 10 specifically located within Qua'an Pan Local Government Area.
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."
Community Commitment and Future Expansion
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 projects that drive economic transformation, climate resilience, and peacebuilding in rural areas.
Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, Chairman of Qua'an Pan LGA, 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 dedication to maintaining the facility.
Energy experts and project developers, including Engineer Theophilus Weke of Cloud Energy Photo-Electric and Dr. Bala Yoden, Project Manager of the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, highlighted Namu's substantial agricultural economic potential. They committed to expanding the grid's capacity from the current 100 kilowatts to an impressive 2 megawatts in the near future.
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 what community members hope will be a new era of productivity, innovation, and economic revitalization for Namu.
