Governor Mutfwang Commissions 100kW Solar Mini-Grid in Namu

A significant step toward advancing rural electrification and clean energy in Plateau State was recorded in Namu, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang commissioned a 50–100 kilowatt solar mini-grid power project.

The project, executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), forms part of a global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand energy access in underserved communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mutfwang described the project as “the beginning of a new journey toward transforming rural economies and empowering local communities.” He noted that clean, reliable energy is central to his administration’s goal of boosting agro-allied industries, small businesses, and overall rural development.

“Today, Qua’an Pan, which once sat in darkness, has seen the light,” he said. “This project reflects our commitment to providing sustainable infrastructure that unlocks rural wealth.”
The governor added that the mini-grid is the first of three major interventions planned for Qua’an Pan: rural electrification, improved road networks, and access to clean water. He also revealed that work on the Jibam–Namu Road is progressing, with several kilometres already completed.

Mutfwang commended the Federal Government, REA, UNDP and GEF for their support, and urged Namu residents, particularly the youth, to protect the facility and use the new energy access to drive economic activities.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the Namu mini-grid aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to scale up renewable energy solutions across rural Nigeria. He disclosed that the Federal Government recently approved a $750 million renewable energy programme, the largest publicly funded clean energy initiative globally, aimed at providing electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians through over 1,350 mini-grids.

According to him, Plateau State will host 42 of these mini-grids, with 10 located in Qua’an Pan alone.
“Plateau is emerging as a clean energy hub because of the enabling policies introduced by this administration,” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Elsie Attafuah, praised the state government for prioritising inclusive development and sustainable energy, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to supporting clean energy as a driver of economic growth, climate resilience, and peace in rural areas.

Similarly, the Chairman of Qua’an Pan LGA, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, thanked the governor and development partners for “bringing light to Namu,” describing the project as a transition “from poverty to productivity.” He assured that the community would maintain the facility.

Energy experts, including Engineer Theophilus Weke of Cloud Energy Photo-Electric and Dr. Bala Yoden of the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, highlighted Namu’s high agricultural potential and pledged continued collaboration to expand the mini-grid’s capacity from 100 kilowatts to 2 megawatts in the future.

The event concluded with the symbolic switching-on of power and an inspection of agro-processing units newly connected to the solar grid, marking a new era of energy-driven growth in Namu.