Gratitude and renewed optimism filled the air on Wednesday as communities across Plateau State welcomed the commissioning of 70 electricity transformers by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, with beneficiaries declaring the intervention a lifeline capable of transforming livelihoods, small businesses and local economies.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Da Gufwar Ishaku Audu described the initiative as a timely intervention that would restore economic vitality to areas that had struggled for years with unstable or completely absent electricity.

According to him, the arrival of the transformers represents far more than the installation of electrical equipment — it signals a restoration of opportunity, productivity and dignity for many rural and peri-urban communities across the state.

He noted that in several communities, local economic activities had been severely constrained by poor power supply, forcing businesses to rely on expensive generators or shut down operations entirely.

Audu said the governor’s intervention would significantly change that narrative.

He assured that the beneficiary communities would take responsibility for protecting the transformers from vandalism and misuse, stressing that the facilities represented a shared investment in their collective future.

The commissioning of the transformers forms part of a broader electricity expansion strategy being pursued by the Plateau State Government aimed at strengthening transmission, distribution and alternative energy supply across the state.

Governor Mutfwang, while flagging off the distribution exercise, described the intervention as a deliberate step toward expanding electricity access, particularly in underserved communities.

Although 55 transformers were initially approved for procurement, he explained that government increased the number to 70 following growing requests from communities in need of power infrastructure.

“Access to electricity is not a privilege; it is a right,” the governor declared, noting that reliable power supply remains central to economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.

He further disclosed that mobilization has been concluded for the installation of a 132KVA transmission line designed to serve the Central and Southern Senatorial Zones of the state — a project expected to significantly strengthen electricity distribution capacity.

Governor Mutfwang also assured residents of Miango and Rukuba communities that negotiations with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) had been finalized to restore power to areas that had experienced prolonged outages.

Beyond immediate improvements in power distribution, the governor outlined a long-term ambition to transform Plateau into a major energy hub.

“Our ambition is that within the next two years, Plateau State will become a net seller of energy,” he said.

To achieve this, the government is strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) while also expanding investments in solar and other renewable energy solutions aimed at diversifying the state’s power sources.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, explained that the distribution of transformers is part of a comprehensive rural electrification programme designed to boost economic development and improve public services.

He said improved power infrastructure would stabilize voltage supply, reduce outages, and support residential, commercial and industrial activities across the state.

Lawandi added that reliable electricity would also enhance the efficiency of water supply schemes and other critical public infrastructure.

Representatives of JEDC and NESCO, who attended the event alongside traditional rulers, government officials and community leaders, commended the Plateau State Government for what they described as a proactive and strategic investment in the state’s energy future.