The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 132/33kV electricity transmission substation in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, with a capacity of 120 megavolt-amperes, in a move aimed at improving electricity transmission and supporting economic activities in the state.
The project, being executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, is expected to be completed by March 2027.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Mashi on Friday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the facility would strengthen the transmission network and improve the delivery of available electricity to Katsina and neighbouring communities.
He explained that the substation, comprising two 60MVA transformers, would provide a combined transmission capacity of 120MVA, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts.
According to him, the project is designed to support farmers, traders, artisans and households by strengthening the electricity infrastructure needed for economic growth and improved living conditions.
“The Federal Government, through the Transmission Company of Nigeria, is providing this new two-by-60MVA, 132/33kV transmission substation.
“On completion, it will provide 120MVA of transmission capacity. This will strengthen the network’s ability to deliver available electricity within Katsina and its environs, supporting productive activity and household welfare.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for supporting investments in the power sector”, saying reliable infrastructure was essential to achieving the administration’s economic development objectives.
He stated that the project reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a stronger foundation for businesses, employment and prosperity across the country.
Tegbe disclosed that compensation issues affecting the project had been resolved, urging the contractor, supervising engineers and TCN officials to ensure quality delivery within the stipulated period.
“With completion scheduled for March 2027, our focus must be disciplined execution.
“I urge TCN, the contractor and the supervising engineers to pay strict attention to quality at every stage, from design to equipment manufacture, civil works, installation and testing.
“We will deliver on schedule, with safety and quality upheld at every stage”, he stated.
Tegbe also called on residents of Mashi to protect the facility against vandalism and report suspicious activities during and after construction.
“To the people of Mashi, your partnership remains essential during construction and commissioning. Support safe access to the site and protect the substation. Guide this asset as your own home; it is your asset. The Federal Government is providing it for your use and for the benefit of generations to come,” he said.
In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving three transmission substation projects for the state, describing them as important investments in economic development and electricity supply.
He said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Katsina.
“Today is not a time for grammar; rather, it is a time for us to celebrate Mr President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding it fit to bring these three substations, all in Katsina State, to boost electricity transmission and supply to our teeming population in the state.
“The state government would continue to work with the Federal Government to support projects capable of improving economic opportunities and public welfare”, he said.
He also cited the ongoing railway construction linking Kano, Daura and Katsina, with an extension towards Maradi in the Niger Republic, as another major infrastructure investment expected to benefit the state.
The governor further disclosed that components for a proposed 10-megawatt hybrid power project combining wind and solar energy had arrived in Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative involves collaboration between the Federal and Katsina State governments and is intended to strengthen electricity generation in the locality.
He expressed hope that the Minister of Power would return to the state for the commissioning of the hybrid project alongside the completion of the transmission substations.
The governor also thanked the minister for his visit and continued support for the state’s power sector initiatives.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Katsina State Government representatives, traditional rulers, local government officials and other stakeholders.