LocationsREA, GEF and UNDP Commission Solar Mini-Grid in Namu, Plateau State to Power Agricultural Value Chains and Empower Rural Communities
March 17, 2026
Launch of the Minigrid in Namu, Plateau State
Namu, Plateau State | 13 November 2025 - 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). This milestone marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable energy access and rural industrialization.
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 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 catalyze 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.”
Governor of Plateau H.E Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, UNDP Nigeria RR Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah and REA Managing Director Dr. Abba Aliyu Commissioning the Minigrid
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.
Speaking during the commissioning, the REA Managing Directors Dr. Abba Aliyu stated that, “The commissioning of this project marks a major milestone as the first commissioned project under the Africa Mini grids (AMP) in Nigeria. For the people of Namu, this is more than access to power, it’s access to opportunity. With clean, reliable electricity, homes will be lit, small businesses will grow, and local industries will thrive.
The AMP programme aims to deploy 23 solar mini-grids across Nigeria, demonstrating scalable models for productive-use electrification, gender-responsive enterprise hubs, and climate-smart rural development.
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About Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), under the Federal Ministry of Power, tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities with the aim to catalyse economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians. The REA is currently administering the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and implementing the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and several initiatives in furtherance of its mandate.
To give effect to some of its initiatives, REA has obtained financing amounting to $550 million ($350 million from the World Bank and $200 million from the African Development Bank) for financing the Nigeria Electrification Project, and an additional $11 million for financing the Rural Electrification Fund for the deployment of Solar hybrid mini grids and solar home systems. These funds will ensure that millions of Nigerians have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
About Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Established in 1991, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral environmental fund that provides grants and blended finance for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, food security, sustainable cities in developing countries, and other critical sectors. It is the largest source of multilateral funding for biodiversity globally and distributes more than $1 billion a year on average to address inter-related environmental challenges. The facility is operationalised through 18 multilateral Agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to design, develop and implement all GEF-funded projects.
About United Nations Development Programme:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the promise to leave no one behind, UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help nations build integrated, people-centered, and future-ready solutions to today’s complex development challenges.
In Nigeria, UNDP is driving a new era of development through its Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a bold, system-wide approach that delivers high-impact solutions across Nigeria’s diverse regions. At its core are five flagship portfolios focused on innovation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy; trade, investment and financing for development; integrated, clean and decentralized energy systems; accelerated community development; and the Made in Nigeria initiative. Together, they enable inclusive, locally led growth, while deepening institutional capacity and unlocking scalable, future-ready development pathways.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mukhtar Ibrahim
Director, Promotion, Information and Outreach
Rural Electrification Agency
Email: Muntari.Ibrahim@rea.gov.ng
Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg
Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead|| UNDP Nigeria
christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org
AMP Communications Unit
📧 amp@rea.gov.ng
🌐 http://www.amp.gefund.rea.gov.ng