GOVERNOR MUTFWANG FLAGS OFF 1.5MW SOLAR MINI-GRID PROJECT IN PANKSHIN, HAILS TINUBU'S RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENDA

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has flagged off the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid in Pankshin Local Government Area.

He described the project as a landmark intervention that will expand access to reliable electricity, stimulate economic growth, and accelerate industrial development across the state.

The project, funded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Federal Government's renewable energy programme and implemented by MASK Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), is one of 48 interconnected mini-grid projects being deployed nationwide to deepen electricity access through clean, sustainable energy solutions.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mutfwang said the project represents a major milestone in his administration's commitment to building a resilient energy sector capable of supporting businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and households.

He noted that the project would significantly reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, lower the cost of doing business, enhance productivity, and unlock new economic opportunities for the people of Pankshin and neighbouring communities.

 "Today we are flagging off a life-transforming and economy-changing initiative. When this 1.5 megawatts of electricity is delivered, the era of dependence on generators in Pankshin will gradually come to an end, while businesses and industries will flourish once again," the Governor stated.

Governor Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to Plateau State through strategic investments in infrastructure and energy development.

He reaffirmed his confidence in President Tinubu's vision for national transformation, citing the approval of the Mararaban Jama'a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Federal Road, which will connect communities across Plateau and Taraba States, facilitate trade, improve regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth.

The Governor also commended the President for approving the conversion of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, into the Federal University of Education, describing the decision as another historic milestone that will strengthen educational development and human capital in Plateau State.

Governor Mutfwang expressed delight that Plateau State had emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of the Federal Government's 750-million-dollar renewable energy programme, revealing that approximately ten similar interconnected solar mini-grid projects are planned for different parts of the state.

He further disclosed that the state government is collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure across Plateau State.

"Our vision is that within the next two years, Plateau State will not only generate sufficient electricity to meet domestic demand but will also become a net exporter of power," he said.

The Governor announced that all statutory approvals, including the Certificate of Occupancy for the project site, had been secured to ensure seamless implementation. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed before the end of the year and urged residents, particularly the youth, to safeguard the facility against vandalism.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the project as a major milestone in Nigeria's drive towards achieving universal electricity access through renewable energy.

He commended Governor Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment that has positioned Plateau State as one of Nigeria's leading destinations for renewable energy investments.

"What we are building here is not just a solar mini-grid. We are rebuilding the electricity distribution network by installing new transformers, rehabilitating existing lines, and providing electricity meters so that consumers will no longer be subjected to estimated billing."

Engr. Aliyu explained that beyond electricity generation, the project would include the rehabilitation and expansion of the distribution network, installation of more than ten transformers, and comprehensive metering of households, thereby eliminating estimated billing in Pankshin.

He further disclosed that President Tinubu's administration had committed 750 million dollars to Nigeria's renewable energy programme, an initiative expected to attract an additional 1.1 billion dollars in private sector investments for clean energy projects nationwide.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Dati, described the groundbreaking ceremony as the commencement of the largest solar energy project currently being implemented in Plateau State.

He noted that the Mutfwang administration has established the legal, policy, and institutional frameworks required to attract private investment into the energy sector and reaffirmed government's commitment to ensuring that every part of Plateau State enjoys reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.

According to him, the 1.5MW project will stimulate socio-economic development, create employment opportunities, improve the business environment, and position Plateau State as a preferred destination for renewable energy investments.

Providing the technical overview, the Technical Lead of MASK Nigeria Limited, Lau Mohammed, explained that the project comprises a 1.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant supported by a 2MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 600-kilowatt backup generator, a 1.2MW solar inverter, a 1MW battery inverter, transformers, and a modernised electricity distribution network.

He stated that the project was designed following comprehensive engineering studies, including load assessments, solar resource analysis, and network optimisation, to ensure reliable, efficient, and scalable electricity supply.

According to him, upon completion, the facility will provide uninterrupted electricity to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other critical public institutions while creating jobs, supporting enterprise development, and driving economic growth.

The Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Hon. Amos Felix Benu, described the project as another promise fulfilled by Governor Mutfwang, noting that the Governor's commitments consistently translate into tangible development projects.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the ongoing road infrastructure projects within the local government area and expressed optimism that more developmental initiatives would continue to reach the area.

In separate goodwill messages, the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Member representing Pankshin North Constituency, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, alongside other stakeholders, commended Governor Mutfwang for placing development above partisan considerations.

They observed that the project demonstrates the enormous benefits of collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in delivering meaningful development to the people.

The groundbreaking ceremony attracted senior government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, legislators, representatives of the Rural Electrification Agency, officials of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, executives of MASK Nigeria Limited, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents, all of whom described the project as a transformative milestone in the socio-economic development of Pankshin and Plateau State.

Gyang Bere, PhD

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

July 21, 2026