Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang during the commissioning ceremony in Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has commissioned 70 electricity transformers for distribution to communities across the state and announced the conclusion of financial mobilization for the installation of a 132KVA transmission line to serve the Southern and Central Senatorial Zones.
The governor flagged off the distribution exercise on Tuesday, describing the intervention as part of efforts to strengthen power supply and expand electricity access, particularly to underserved communities.
Mutfwang said although 55 transformers were initially approved, the government later increased the number by 15 in response to growing demand, bringing the total to 70.
“Access to electricity is not a privilege; it is a right,” he said, noting that improved power supply remains critical to economic growth, small business development, job creation and improved living standards.
He disclosed that discussions with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) had been concluded to restore electricity to Miango and Rukuba communities, which have experienced prolonged outages.
The governor noted that while Nigeria generates significant electricity, major challenges persist in transmission and distribution, stressing that transformers play a key role in delivering power efficiently to end users.
He further revealed that the contractor handling the 132KVA transmission line project covering Central and Southern Plateau has been fully mobilised and will soon commence work on site.
According to him, the state government is supporting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) and expanding investments in solar and other renewable energy sources to diversify the state’s energy mix.
“Our ambition is that within the next two years, Plateau State will become a net seller of energy,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi, described the initiative as part of the government’s rural electrification drive and urged benefiting communities to safeguard the facilities against vandalism.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Da Gufwar Ishaku Audu commended the state government, saying stable electricity would enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
Representatives of JEDC and NESCO also lauded the state government’s efforts to strengthen power infrastructure.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
