On Monday, July 21, 2025, stakeholders from across Nigeria’s energy ecosystem converged in Jos for a landmark event the Roundtable with Renewable Energy Developers on Unlocking Renewable Energy Solutions for MSME Competitiveness in Plateau State. Organized by the Plateau State Energy Corporation (PSEC) in collaboration with GIZ, the European Union, and other development partners, the roundtable aimed to chart a sustainable path toward clean, affordable, and productive energy solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.
This high-level convening brought together policy-makers, energy developers, financiers, MSME representatives, and community leaders under one roof to discuss and design practical steps for expanding renewable energy access for economic growth.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Energy Corporation, Mr. Pomzing Gambe, opened the session by thanking Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for empowering the Corporation to lead strategic energy dialogues in the state. He emphasized the importance of the roundtable in linking renewable energy solution providers with MSMEs who are desperate for reliable and cost-effective power.
“This is our roundtable. It’s targeted at unlocking energy solutions to power MSME businesses on the Plateau. Many businesses are struggling with electricity challenges and don’t know how to solve them. By bringing developers and consumers together, we’re creating space for investment, innovation, and access,” Mr. Gambe said.
He highlighted the viability of decentralized energy solutions such as solar mini-grids and standalone systems, especially for barbers, tailors, and other tradespeople who are currently burdened by fuel costs and unreliable grids.
Delivering the keynote speech was Dr. Alexander Akolo of the GIZ Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) a son of the Plateau and a passionate advocate for energy equity.
Dr. Akolo described the event as a “rebirth of hope” for businesses, especially in rural and peri-urban communities where power is either absent or unaffordable.
“MSMEs across Plateau are spending up to 40% of their operating budget on energy. This is unsustainable. But renewable energy solar mini-grids, standalone systems, productive-use tech offers a pathway to affordable, climate-friendly, and scalable power,” Dr. Akolo noted.
He called for a united front, urging financial institutions to develop green finance tools, regulators to simplify licensing, and private sector players to invest confidently in Plateau’s off-grid energy market.
Mr. Akinropo Omoware, Head of Component for Business Enabling Reforms/Investment and Sustainable Infrastructure, GIZ, underscored the role of reliable energy in making MSMEs competitive:
“Energy costs can take up to 40% of MSMEs’ production expenses. If we can reduce that through renewables, we make our businesses more resilient and job-creating,” he said.
Mr. Omoware stressed the need for collaboration, stating that no single stakeholder can solve the energy access crisis alone. Instead, it takes coordinated efforts by developers, financiers, government agencies, and the business community.
Remarks by Hon. Bashir Lawandi
Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for renewable energy investments.
“The State Electricity Law, the establishment of the Plateau Energy Corporation, and the empowerment of the State Electricity Commission are strategic steps towards an inclusive electricity market,” he said.
He applauded PSEC for its transparent management and commended development partners especially the EU, German Government, and Federal Ministry of Power for their unwavering support.
PSEC’s Achievements Under Governor Mutfwang
In his formal welcome, Mr. Gambe presented an impressive list of achievements made possible through development partnerships:
• Development of the Plateau State Off-Grid Electrification Policy
• Creation of a comprehensive Energy Master Plan
• Construction of a 60kW Solar Mini Grid
• Capacity-building training for State Commissioners and PSEC staff
• Inauguration of the Plateau State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC)
These milestones have laid the groundwork for an independent Plateau Electricity Market, thanks in part to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)’s transfer of oversight authority to the state.
Interactive Panel Session: Powering Solutions Through Dialogue
The event featured a robust panel discussion moderated by Victor Ochebu, Technical Advisor with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
The panel included:
• Dr. Tosin, CEO of REAN (Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria)
• Mr. Janty Toshi, CEO, Plateau State Energy Corporation
• Representatives from Cloud Energy, Bastion Markets, TIC, Price Millers, and Horse Power
Victor Ochebu acknowledged the gender imbalance on the panel, advocating for greater inclusion of women in the energy space. He applauded the panelists for their deep grassroots work in delivering solar solutions to underserved communities.
Dr. Tosin of REAN shared how the association supports developers through policy advocacy, capacity building, and integration into the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP):
“We have members across Nigeria, and even abroad, all pushing the solar and renewable energy agenda. REAN is more than an association it’s a movement to power Nigeria sustainably,” she said.
A standout feature of the roundtable was the on-site exhibition and live demonstration of solar technologies by leading renewable energy companies. These exhibitions allowed participants especially MSME owners to interact directly with the systems, ask questions, and even make purchases.
Organizations such as Pantronics, Donasonic Solar Ltd, Cloud Energy, and others displayed a wide range of renewable energy solutions. These included solar-powered generators, solar home systems, portable solar lighting, and standalone solar kits tailored for barbershops, shops, agribusinesses, and off-grid communities.
Participants were particularly impressed by the live demonstrations, which showed how compact, affordable systems can immediately power small appliances, fans, clippers, and lights without the noise or fumes of traditional generators.
This hands-on experience reinforced the central message of the event: renewable energy is not just a concept it is a practical, scalable solution that MSMEs can adopt today.
As discussions wrapped up, the consensus was clear the future of Plateau State’s economy is tied to its ability to democratize access to clean, affordable energy especially for MSMEs.
This roundtable, backed by both political will and development funding, has positioned Plateau as a trailblazer in subnational energy reform and green entrepreneurship.
The event closed with a renewed commitment from all actors developers, financiers, state officials, and civil society to stay engaged and build on the momentum generated.
As Dr. Akolo put it
“This is not just about energy. It’s about transforming lives, increasing incomes, and creating sustainable futures. Let Plateau be the model for clean, inclusive development in Nigeria.”
