Plateau State has been named among the biggest beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s $750 million renewable energy drive, with plans to roll out about 10 interconnected solar mini-grids across the state.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced this on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for a 1.5-megawatt interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid in Pankshin Local Government Area. He expressed optimism that Plateau would begin exporting electricity within the next two years.
The project, funded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Federal Government’s renewable energy programme, is being executed by MASK Nigeria Limited in collaboration with Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). It is one of 48 similar interconnected mini-grid projects being deployed nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Mutfwang described the initiative as a turning point for his administration’s efforts to improve power supply, drive industrial growth, and attract investors through clean energy. He said the facility would supply steady electricity to businesses, industries, hospitals, schools, and households, and help end reliance on diesel and petrol generators.
“Today marks the start of a project that will change lives and transform the economy. Once this 1.5MW is delivered, dependence on generators in Pankshin will gradually end and businesses will bounce back,” the governor stated.
Mutfwang thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing Plateau with key infrastructure investments. He cited the approval of the Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi federal road and the upgrade of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin to a Federal University of Education as major interventions for the state’s growth. He added that the state government is also working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to upgrade transmission facilities.
“Our goal is clear. In the next two years, Plateau will not only meet its own power needs but will produce enough to sell to other states,” he said. The governor disclosed that all required approvals, including the Certificate of Occupancy for the project site, have been obtained, and expressed hope that work would be completed before year-end. He urged residents, especially young people, to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.
REA Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, called the project a major step toward achieving universal electricity access through renewables. He praised the governor for creating a business-friendly environment that has made Plateau attractive for clean energy investment.
“This is more than a mini-grid. We are rebuilding the distribution network with new transformers, upgraded lines, and meters to end estimated billing,” Aliyu said. He noted that over 10 transformers would be installed and that the $750 million federal programme is expected to draw an additional $1.1 billion in private investment for clean energy across Nigeria.
Plateau Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi Dati, described the Pankshin project as the largest solar initiative in the state so far. He said the Mutfwang administration has put in place policies to attract private sector participation, and that the project would generate jobs and boost the economy.
MASK Nigeria Limited’s Technical Lead, Lau Mohammed, explained that the facility includes a 1.5MW solar plant, 2MWh battery storage, a 600KW backup generator, inverters, transformers, and a modernized distribution network designed to ensure uninterrupted power for homes and critical institutions.
Local leaders including Pankshin LGA Chairman Amos Felix Benu and former Speaker Gabriel Dewan commended the partnership between the federal and state governments, saying it shows how collaboration can deliver sustainable development.
