The Federal Government has commenced construction of a 132/33kV electricity transmission substation with a capacity of 120 megavolt-amperes (MVA) in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State to strengthen power transmission and support economic activities.
The project, being executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is scheduled for completion in March 2027.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Mashi on Friday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the facility would reinforce the transmission network and improve the distribution of available electricity to Katsina and neighbouring communities.
He explained that the substation would feature two 60MVA transformers, providing a combined capacity of 120MVA, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts.
According to the minister, the project would support farmers, traders, artisans and households by improving electricity infrastructure needed for economic growth and better 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.”
Tegbe commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting investments in the power sector, noting that reliable infrastructure was essential to achieving the administration’s economic development objectives.
He added that the project reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to creating better conditions for businesses, employment and prosperity across the country.
The minister disclosed that compensation issues associated with the project had been resolved and urged the contractor, supervising engineers and TCN officials to maintain high standards throughout construction.
“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 appealed to Mashi residents to protect the facility from 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.
Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, thanked Tinubu for approving three transmission substation projects for the state, describing them as significant investments in electricity supply and economic development.
He said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across Katsina State.
“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.
Radda also highlighted the ongoing railway project 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 revealed that equipment for a proposed 10-megawatt hybrid power project combining wind and solar energy had arrived in Nigeria.
He said the initiative was being undertaken through collaboration between the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government to strengthen electricity generation in the area.
Radda expressed hope that the Minister of Power would return to the state for the commissioning of the hybrid power project alongside the completion of the transmission substations.
The ceremony was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, representatives of the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers, local government officials and other stakeholders.
