By Seun Ibiyemi
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected mini-grid project in Pankshin, Plateau State, as part of ongoing efforts to expand electricity access and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria.
The groundbreaking ceremony comes on the heels of the recent commissioning of a 50-kilowatt Access to Markets and Agriculture (AMP) solar mini-grid in Namu community, Plateau State, and follows similar project launches in Kogi, Kebbi, Adamawa and Rivers states.
L-R: Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang exchanging pleasantries with the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu at the groundbreaking ceremony of a 1.5MW interconnected mini-grid in Pankshin, Plateau State yesterday
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr Abba Aliyu, said the Pankshin project forms part of a broader national programme involving the deployment of 48 interconnected mini-grids across the country.
According to him, the initiative is designed to improve electricity supply, reduce technical losses and provide reliable power to support agro-processing, healthcare delivery and commercial activities in host communities.
Aliyu noted that interconnected mini-grids would strengthen existing distribution infrastructure, ease network constraints and boost overall power quality.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang (middle), Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu (5th from right) and Executive Director Technical Services, REA, Engr.Umar Umar (4th from right) at the groundbreaking ceremony of a 1.5MW interconnected mini-grid in Pankshin, Plateau State yesterday
“Interconnected mini-grids will strengthen existing distribution infrastructure, reduce network constraints, improve power quality, lower technical losses and provide additional capacity exactly where it is needed,” he said.
He added that the project would unlock new economic opportunities by ensuring that electricity serves as a catalyst for production and industrial development rather than mere consumption.
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The REA boss also praised Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for creating an enabling environment that encourages private-sector participation in the power sector.
Aliyu further disclosed that 10 additional mini-grid projects under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme are currently under construction in several local government areas of the state, including Langtang South, Qua’an Pan, Shendam, Mikang, Wase, Kanke, Kanam and Mangu.
The latest project adds to a series of mini-grid developments recently launched by the agency, including a 20MW project in Kogi State, a 3.5MW facility in Kebbi State, a 27MW project in Adamawa State and a 12MW initiative in Rivers State.
The REA has continued to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure nationwide as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap and promote sustainable economic development in underserved communities.
