PANKSHIN, PLATEAU – Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has flagged off the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid in Pankshin Local Government Area, describing it as a major step toward expanding electricity access, boosting economic growth, and positioning Plateau as a renewable energy hub.
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 among 48 interconnected mini-grid projects being deployed across Nigeria.
Governor Mutfwang said the initiative would provide reliable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals while reducing dependence on petrol and diesel generators, lowering business costs, and creating new economic opportunities.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Plateau through strategic investments, including 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 the Federal University of Education.
The Governor disclosed that Plateau is set to benefit from about ten additional interconnected solar mini-grid projects under the Federal Government’s $750 million renewable energy programme and revealed ongoing collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to strengthen electricity infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the end of the year and reiterated his administration’s vision of making Plateau a net exporter of electricity within the next two years.
REA Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the project as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive for universal electricity access, noting that it includes the installation of new transformers, rehabilitation of distribution lines, and comprehensive metering to eliminate estimated billing in Pankshin.
Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Dati, said the project is the largest solar energy initiative currently underway in Plateau State and would stimulate economic development, create jobs, and attract private investment.
Technical Lead of MASK Nigeria Limited, Lau Mohammed, explained that the project features a 1.5MW solar photovoltaic plant, a 2MWh Battery Energy Storage System, a 600kW backup generator, modern inverters, transformers, and an upgraded electricity distribution network designed to provide uninterrupted power supply.
Pankshin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Amos Felix Benu, and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, commended Governor Mutfwang for prioritising development and praised the collaboration between the Federal and Plateau State Governments in delivering impactful infrastructure to the people.
