From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has commissioned 70 electricity transformers for distribution to communities across the state as part of efforts to strengthen power supply and expand access to electricity.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang disclosed this on Wednesday while flagging off the distribution exercise in Jos.
The governor described the intervention as a bold step toward improving electricity supply, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities across the state.
He also announced the conclusion of mobilisation for the installation of a 132KVA transmission line aimed at serving the Southern and Central Senatorial zones of Plateau State.
Mutfwang explained that although 55 transformers were initially approved for the project, the government later granted approval for an additional 15 units, bringing the total number to 70 in response to growing demand from communities.
According to him, access to electricity should not be seen as a privilege but a fundamental right of citizens.
“Access to electricity is not a privilege; it is a right. Improving power supply remains central to economic growth, small business development, job creation, and overall quality of life,” the governor said.
He also assured residents of Miango and Rukuba communities that discussions with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company had been concluded to restore electricity to areas that had experienced prolonged outages.
The governor noted that although Nigeria generates significant power, the major challenges remain in transmission and distribution.
He explained that transformers play a crucial role in evacuating generated electricity and delivering it safely and efficiently to end users.
Mutfwang further revealed that the contractor handling the 132KVA transmission line project covering the Central and Southern parts of the state had been fully mobilised financially and would soon move to site to commence work.
“Our ambition is that within the next two years, Plateau State will become a net seller of energy,” he said.
The governor added that the state government was supporting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company while also expanding investments in solar and other renewable energy sources to diversify the state’s energy mix.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, described the initiative as part of the government’s broader rural electrification programme.
He urged beneficiary communities to take ownership of the facilities and protect them against vandalism.
“The transformers being flagged off today will improve voltage stability, reduce power disruptions, and support residential, commercial, and industrial activities,” Lawandi said.
“They also complement our broader efforts to ensure that energy infrastructure adequately supports water supply schemes and other critical public services.”
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Da Gufwar Ishaku Audu commended the governor for the intervention, noting that stable electricity would significantly improve livelihoods and boost economic activities at the grassroots level.
Representatives of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company and Nigerian Electricity Supply Company also lauded the state government’s proactive approach to strengthening power infrastructure across Plateau State.
The event was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, stakeholders, and community beneficiaries.