By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has inaugurated two new 60MVA transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation in Katsina State and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 120MVA substation in Mashi, as the Federal Government moves to strengthen electricity supply across the state.
The Kankia upgrade increased the substation’s installed transformation capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, equivalent to approximately 120 megawatts, providing additional capacity to meet electricity demand and improve bulk supply to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Tegbe said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to expanding critical electricity infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.
The minister said the increased capacity would help accommodate previously unmet demand and strengthen electricity supply for onward distribution to consumers.
Funded by the World Bank and delivered through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the project was executed by China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute.
TCN Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, also said the upgrade addressed capacity constraints in the transmission network serving Katsina State.
He explained that the substation initially had two 30MVA transformers, providing a combined capacity of 60MVA, but rising demand in areas served by KEDCO had outstripped available capacity.
The project also included the expansion of the control room to accommodate digital control and protection panels, replacing the previous analogue systems. The 33kV busbar system was expanded, and additional outgoing feeders were installed to improve operational capacity.
Abdulaziz said the improvements were expected to ease electricity supply constraints in Kankia, Dutsinma, Danbatta and Musawa.
At Mashi, Tegbe performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 2 × 60MVA, 132/33kV transmission substation, which will provide 120MVA of installed capacity, equivalent to approximately 96MW, upon completion.
The facility is expected to improve bulk electricity supply to Mashi and neighbouring communities, where residents have experienced inadequate power supply and poor voltage levels.
“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 disclosed that issues relating to wayleave and compensation had been resolved, with completion scheduled for March 31, 2027.
The minister urged TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to maintain quality and safety standards and meet the project deadline.
“Our focus must be disciplined execution. Deliver on schedule, with safety and quality upheld throughout,”
Abdulaziz described the Mashi project as a response to longstanding electricity challenges affecting households, businesses and public services.
He said improved supply could support businesses, preserve farm produce, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities.
The TCN managing director also appealed to community leaders and residents to protect the infrastructure against vandalism.
Meanwhile, Tegbe inspected the ongoing 2 × 100MVA, 132/33kV gas insulated switchgear transmission substation project in Katsina town.
The facility, when completed, will provide 200MVA of installed transformation capacity, equivalent to approximately 160MW, for onward distribution through KEDCO to Katsina town and neighbouring communities.
The project includes two 100MVA transformers, gas insulated switchgear, protection and control systems, and associated civil and electrical infrastructure. The technology is designed to optimise space and support safe, reliable substation operations.
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