Katsina indigenes to enjoy regular electricity as FG commissions two transformers

Federal Government, at the weekend, powered the Kankia Transmission Substation in Katsina State with over 150 per cent increase, following the commissioning of two 60MVA power transformers.

In a statement, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said that the projects are aimed at strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure and improving bulk power supply to communities across Katsina State.

Speaking at the commissioning, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said that the installation of the two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers had increased the substation’s installed transformation capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, equivalent to approximately 120 megawatts.

“We are commissioning two 60 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformers, installed in place of one existing 30 MVA transformer. This raised the substation’s installed capacity from 60 MVA to 150 MVA, equivalent to approximately 120 MW.”he said

According to him, the 150 per cent increase in transformation capacity would provide room to meet previously suppressed load demand and strengthen bulk electricity supply to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for onward delivery to consumers.

The minister described the intervention as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places reliable electricity at the centre of Nigeria’s economic development.

“This is a practical progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tegbe said, adding that investments in critical infrastructure should support production, create opportunities and improve daily life.

At Mashi Substations site, Tegbe performed the groundbreaking 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 strengthen the transmission network serving Mashi and neighbouring communities, where residents have experienced inadequate electricity supply and poor voltage levels.

“Today, we break ground in Mashi with a clear purpose: to build electricity infrastructure that supports livelihoods and give this community greater room to grow.”Tegbe said.

He said that the project would strengthen the network’s ability to deliver available electricity within Katsina and its environs, supporting productive activities and household welfare.

The minister disclosed that issues relating to wayfare and compensation had been satisfactorily resolved, with completion scheduled for March 31, 2027.

He urged TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to ensure strict compliance with quality standards, safety requirements and the project timeline.

“Our focus must be disciplined execution. Deliver on schedule, with safety and quality upheld throughout” Tegbe said.

He also commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, for his support and partnership with the Federal Government in advancing infrastructure development in the state.

Minister of Power also 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, strengthening the network’s capacity to deliver bulk electricity to Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for distribution across Katsina town and adjoining communities.

The project, he stated, comprises two 100MVA power transformers, gas-insulated switchgear, protection and control systems, and associated civil and electrical infrastructure. The GIS technology is designed to optimise space utilisation while supporting safe and reliable substation operations.

In his remarks, TCN Managing Director (MD), Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the Kankia upgrade addressed capacity limitations in the transmission network serving Katsina State.

He explained that the substation was initially equipped with two 30MVA transformers, providing a combined capacity of 60MVA, or approximately 48MW.

“As electricity demand increased within the area supplied by KEDCO, the available transformation capacity became insufficient, leading to suppressed load and limiting the substation’s ability to accommodate additional demand,” Abdulaziz said.

He maintained that the project also involved expanding the control room to accommodate digital control and protection panels, replacing the previous analogue systems.

The 33kV busbar system, the MD, said, was also expanded, while additional outgoing feeders were installed to improve operational capacity and strengthen the substation’s control and protection systems.

Abdulaziz said that the improvements were expected to ease supply constraints in Kankia, Dutsinma, Danbatta and Musawa by increasing the availability of bulk electricity for onward distribution.

Abdulaziz said the Mashi substation was TCN’s response to longstanding electricity challenges affecting households, businesses and public services in the area.

“For many years, Mashi and its neighbouring communities have experienced inadequate electricity supply and poor voltage levels, challenges that have affected households, farm produce preservation, small businesses, and essential public services,” he said, adding that the facility would bring bulk electricity supply closer to residents through KEDCO and provide additional capacity to accommodate future growth in demand.

TCN urged community leaders and residents to support the project and protect the infrastructure against vandalism.

“The true value of this project will ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives,” Abdulaziz said, noting that improved electricity infrastructure could stimulate economic activities, generate employment and expand opportunities for young people” TCN, explained.

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