The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has commissioned a transformative 50kWp solar mini-grid in Namu, Quanpan LGA, Plateau State, under the Africa Minigrids Programme (AMP).
The milestone, according to the promoters, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable energy access and rural industrialisation.
The mini-grid will provide clean, reliable electricity to over 1,555 direct beneficiaries, including 180 women rice processors, 15 male equipment operators, and 100 households, powering schools, health centres, and small businesses. It is designed to catalyse agricultural productivity by supporting cassava grating, rice milling, and other value-added processes.
“This is not just about electrifying a community; it is about energizing lives, livelihoods, and local economies,” said Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative. “The Namu mini-grid is a beacon of hope for rural development and a model for inclusive, sustainable electrification.”
The AMP initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, Energy Transition Plan, and National Electrification Strategy, and contributes to the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The project is expected to mitigate up to 22,000 metric tons of CO₂ monthly, replacing diesel and fuelwood with solar energy.
The commissioning event featured remarks from key stakeholders including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; REA CEO, Dr. Abba Aliyu; and Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Namu community.
The AMP programme aims to deploy 25 solar mini-grids across Nigeria, demonstrating scalable models for productive-use electrification, gender-responsive enterprise hubs, and climate-smart rural development.
