Tegbe inaugurates 120MW transformer capacity upgrade in Katsina
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Tegbe inaugurates 120MW transformer capacity upgrade in Katsina
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Federal Government has commenced construction of a 120-megavolt-ampere transmission substation in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State as part of efforts to improve electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries in the North-West.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2 × 60 MVA, 132/33 kV transmission substation in Garo town, alongside the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda.
Tegbe said the project, being funded by the Federal Government through the Transmission Company of Nigeria, would add 120 MVA of transformer capacity, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts, to the national grid.
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According to a statement, the minister said the facility would help address electricity shortages and low voltage in Mashi and neighbouring communities, while supporting farming, trading and industrial activities.
He urged the TCN management, contractors and supervising engineers to ensure quality delivery and work towards completing the project by March 31, 2027.
The minister disclosed that the contract was signed on March 24, 2023, with an initial 24-month completion period. However, the deadline was subsequently revised to March 31, 2027.
He said issues relating to right-of-way and compensation for project-affected persons had been resolved, adding that compensation for the land and equipment involved had been paid before construction began.
Tegbe also urged residents to cooperate with the construction team and protect the facility against vandalism.
He said, “Today, we break ground in Mashi to build electricity infrastructure that supports livelihoods and gives this community greater opportunities to grow.”
The minister described the project as part of the Federal Government’s investments in Katsina’s electricity infrastructure, adding that improved transmission capacity would strengthen bulk power supply for onward distribution by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
Speaking at the event, Radda thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the project, saying it would improve electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in Mashi and neighbouring communities.
The governor also commended the Federal Government for collaborating with the state on a proposed 10-megawatt hybrid renewable energy project.
He disclosed that solar panels and other components for the renewable energy project had arrived in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Tegbe inaugurated two 60 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformers at the Kankia transmission substation in Katsina State, increasing its installed capacity from 60 MVA to 150 MVA.
The upgrade represents a 150 per cent increase in transformation capacity, equivalent to raising the substation’s capacity from approximately 48 MW to 120 MW.
TCN said the previous capacity, provided by two 30 MVA transformers, had become inadequate to meet growing electricity demand within the KEDCO franchise area served by the substation.
The new transformers replaced an existing 30 MVA unit, with the remaining 30 MVA transformer retained.
The project, funded by the World Bank and executed by TCN and the Federal Ministry of Power, was awarded in June 2021 to China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute. It was completed in June 2026.
TCN said the upgrade would improve the reliability and availability of bulk electricity supply to consumers in Kankia, Dutsenma, Danbatta and Musawa.
Speaking during the commissioning, Tegbe said the additional capacity would provide room to accommodate previously suppressed demand and improve electricity supply for businesses and agricultural processing.
The minister also inspected the ongoing 2 × 100 MVA, 132/33 kV gas-insulated switchgear transmission substation project at the Katsina 330/132/33 kV substation.
The facility, when completed, will provide 200 MVA of transformation capacity to strengthen electricity supply to Katsina town and adjoining communities through KEDCO.
The project includes the installation of two 100 MVA transformers, gas-insulated switchgear, protection and control systems, and associated civil infrastructure.
Tegbe urged TCN and the contractors handling the projects to maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion, saying the investments were intended to strengthen the transmission network and support economic activities across Katsina State.
Other dignitaries at the Mashi groundbreaking ceremony included the Chief of Staff to the governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Chairman of Mashi Local Government Area, Salisu Kallah Dan Kada; officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, representatives of the Nigerian Independent System Operator and KEDCO, traditional rulers and community leaders.
