Plateau Among Biggest Beneficiary of FG’s $750m Renewal Energy Program

JOS – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Tuesday declared that Plateau had emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s 750-million-dollar renewable energy programme, disclosing that about 10 interconnected solar mini-grid projects would be implemented across the state.

The governor made the disclosure in Pankshin Local Government Area while flagging off the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid, expressing confidence that Plateau would become a net exporter of electricity within the next two years.

He described the project as a major milestone in his administration’s drive to expand access to reliable electricity, stimulate industrialisation and attract investments through renewable energy.

The project is being 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).

It is one of 48 interconnected mini-grid projects being deployed nationwide.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Mutfwang said the project would provide reliable electricity to businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, schools and households, while reducing dependence on petrol and diesel generators.

“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,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Plateau through strategic investments in infrastructure and renewable energy.

He also commended the President for approving the Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Federal Road project and the conversion of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, into the Federal University of Education, describing both as landmark interventions that would accelerate development in the state.

Mutfwang said the Plateau State Government was collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure across the 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.

He disclosed that all statutory approvals, including the Certificate of Occupancy for the project site, had been secured and expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the end of the year.