The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned two 60MVA power transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation in Katsina State and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 120MVA transmission substation in Mashi to strengthen electricity supply across the state.
The projects, executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), are expected to improve bulk electricity supply, address transmission capacity constraints and enhance power delivery to communities served by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kankia facility, Tegbe said the installation of the two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers had increased the substation’s installed transformation capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, representing a 150 per cent increase.
He explained that the upgrade would help accommodate previously suppressed electricity demand and strengthen bulk power supply for onward distribution to consumers.
“This is practical progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said, noting that investments in critical electricity infrastructure should boost production, create opportunities and improve living conditions.
The project was funded by the World Bank and delivered through the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, with China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute serving as contractor.
TCN Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the upgrade addressed longstanding capacity limitations at the Kankia substation, which previously operated with two 30MVA transformers providing a combined capacity of 60MVA.
According to him, rising electricity demand within the area served by KEDCO had overwhelmed the available transformation capacity, resulting in suppressed load and limiting the network’s ability to accommodate additional demand.
He said the project also involved expanding the control room to accommodate digital control and protection panels, replacing the previous analogue systems.
The 33kV busbar system was expanded, while additional outgoing feeders were installed to improve operational capacity and strengthen the substation’s control and protection systems.
Abdulaziz said the improvements were expected to ease electricity supply constraints in Kankia, Dutsinma, Danbatta and Musawa by increasing the volume of bulk electricity available for distribution.
At Mashi, Tegbe performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 2×60MVA, 132/33kV transmission substation, which will provide a combined transformation capacity of 120MVA, equivalent to approximately 96MW, upon completion.
The facility is expected to improve electricity supply and voltage levels in Mashi and neighbouring communities, where inadequate power has affected households, businesses, agricultural produce preservation and essential public services.
“Today, we break ground in Mashi with a clear purpose: to build electricity infrastructure that supports livelihoods and gives this community greater room to grow,” Tegbe said.
He added that the project would strengthen the network’s capacity to deliver available electricity across Katsina State and support economic activities and household welfare.
The minister disclosed that issues relating to wayleave and compensation had been satisfactorily resolved, with the project scheduled for completion on March 31, 2027.
He charged TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to adhere strictly to quality standards, safety requirements and the completion timeline.
“Our focus must be disciplined execution. Deliver on schedule, with safety and quality upheld throughout,” he said.
Tegbe also commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, for his support and partnership with the Federal Government in advancing infrastructure development.
Abdulaziz described the Mashi substation as a response to longstanding electricity challenges in the area, saying the project would bring bulk power supply closer to residents through KEDCO and provide additional capacity to meet future demand.
He urged community leaders and residents to support the project and protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism.
The TCN managing director said the facility could stimulate economic activities, generate employment and expand opportunities for young people.
Meanwhile, the minister inspected the ongoing 2×100MVA, 132/33kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) transmission substation project in Katsina town.
Upon completion, the facility will provide 200MVA of installed transformation capacity, equivalent to approximately 160MW, to strengthen bulk electricity supply to KEDCO for distribution across Katsina town and adjoining communities.
The project comprises two 100MVA power transformers, gas-insulated switchgear, protection and control systems, as well as associated civil and electrical infrastructure.
The GIS technology is designed to optimise space utilisation while supporting safe and reliable substation operations.
