Shendam Moves to End 12-Year Power Shortage with Solar Energy

After 12 years without electricity, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State is set to regain power following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a solar energy project.

The executive chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, who handed over the MoU and the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the project, described the prolonged power outage as unacceptable.

“There’s no one who needs to inform me about this issue. When we were growing up, electricity was constant. Even in school, after prep, we would return to our hostels, heat our water, and have our meals before bed without worrying about power,” he said.

“But today, in the 21st century—an era of technological advancement—we are still struggling with something as basic as electricity. Naturally, we should have power without question, yet here we are, with a local government headquarters that has been without stable electricity for 12 years. That is nothing short of a crisis.”

Nshe blamed the outage for the closure of many businesses in Shendam, adding that power supply is just as essential as roads and markets for economic growth. He revealed that efforts to restore electricity extended beyond Plateau State to Abuja and Lagos.

“If people in rural areas struggle to afford two meals a day yet still manage to pay for solar power, then surely, we in the township should embrace this opportunity. This is why we have gone the extra mile, traveling to Abuja and Lagos, pushing to make this project a reality,” he said.

He assured residents that the project was not just a political promise but a commitment, calling for community support to ensure its success.

The general manager of Virtutis Solaris Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Oladeji, said the project would deliver a sustainable and affordable power supply.

He emphasized that electricity was a necessity, not a luxury, and disclosed that the feasibility study had divided Shendam into four zones, each set to receive one megawatt of power.

“We are starting the first phase with one megawatt, covering major areas within the town. As of today, 20 percent of the required equipment has already been deployed,” he revealed.

Oladeji assured residents that prepaid meters would be installed at no cost, eliminating estimated billing.

“We do not take a single naira from anybody, and we will not ask for payment to install these meters. There will be no cases of low supply and high charges—just a fair, transparent system where you pay only for what you use,” he stated.

The Long Goemai of the Goemai Nation, His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, praised the local government chairman for prioritizing the needs of the people.

He urged Virtutis Solaris Limited to ensure swift implementation while calling for community support and awareness.

Residents of Shendam are hopeful that the long-awaited electricity project will mark a turning point in the local economy, bringing much-needed relief to homes and businesses.