Tegbe Commissions 120MVA Transformer Upgrade in Katsina, Breaks Ground for New Mashi Substation

Tegbe Commissions 120MVA Transformer Upgrade in Katsina, Breaks Ground for New Mashi Substation

…Kankia capacity rises by 150 per cent as FG targets improved electricity supply

By Raphael Ekpang

Katsina (Core Reporters) The Federal Government has commissioned two 60MVA power transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation and commenced construction of a new 120MVA transmission substation in Mashi, Katsina State, as part of efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure, improve power supply and support economic activities in the state.

The Honourable Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, performed the commissioning of the two transformers at Kankia and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new substation at Mashi on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The projects are expected to strengthen transmission capacity, improve bulk electricity supply to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for onward distribution to consumers, and create additional capacity to support businesses, agricultural processing and household electricity needs.

Speaking at the Kankia commissioning, Tegbe said the installation of the two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers had increased the substation’s installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, representing a 150 per cent increase.

According to him, the two new transformers were installed in place of an existing 30MVA unit, while the remaining 30MVA transformer brings the substation’s total installed capacity to 150MVA, equivalent to approximately 120MW.

He explained that the additional capacity would provide room to accommodate previously suppressed demand and strengthen bulk electricity supply to KEDCO for onward distribution to consumers.

The minister described the project as a practical step towards strengthening critical electricity infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He commended the President for his commitment to the power sector reform programme, noting that reliable electricity infrastructure remained important to economic production, job creation and improved living standards.

Tegbe also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute, engineers, technicians and other project personnel involved in delivering the Kankia project.

He appreciated Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, for his support and partnership, while commending traditional institutions and host communities for their contributions.

The minister urged TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and KEDCO to strengthen coordination to ensure that the additional transmission capacity translates into improved electricity service whenever power is available.

He also called for proper maintenance of the newly installed equipment, stressing the need to place consumers’ needs at the centre of operations.

Mashi Substation Project

At Mashi, Tegbe said the Federal Government, through TCN, was providing a new 2 × 60MVA, 132/33kV transmission substation to strengthen electricity infrastructure in the area and its environs.

On completion, the facility will provide 120MVA of transformation capacity, equivalent to approximately 96MW, increasing the network’s capacity to deliver available electricity to communities across the area.

The minister said the project was designed to support farmers, traders, artisans and households by providing additional transmission infrastructure to accommodate electricity demand and facilitate economic activities.

He described the investment as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses and communities across the country.

Tegbe disclosed that the wayleave and compensation issues affecting the Mashi project had been satisfactorily resolved, paving the way for construction to proceed.

He said the project was scheduled for completion on March 31, 2027, urging TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to maintain strict adherence to quality standards throughout the construction process.

The minister emphasised the importance of quality assurance at every stage, including design, equipment manufacturing, civil works, installation and testing.

He urged the project team to ensure proper documentation of inspections, prompt correction of defects and compliance with safety requirements, while delivering the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Tegbe also commended Governor Radda for his support and constructive partnership, expressing appreciation to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN Managing Director, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, traditional rulers, affected landowners and host communities for helping to facilitate the project.

He called on residents of Mashi to support the construction process by providing safe access to the project site and protecting the substation and its associated transmission lines after completion.

The minister urged community members to report suspicious activities to TCN or the relevant security agencies, noting that safeguarding electricity infrastructure was essential to ensuring its long-term benefits.

He further urged all institutions involved in the project to maintain effective communication with host communities, address emerging concerns promptly and ensure measurable progress towards timely completion.

The two projects form part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand transmission infrastructure, strengthen electricity delivery networks and support economic development through improved access to available power.