By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 2 × 60 MVA, 132/33 kV transmission substation in Mashi, Katsina State, in a move aimed at strengthening electricity supply capacity, supporting economic activities and improving the welfare of residents in the area.
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony, describing the project as a strategic investment in electricity infrastructure to support farmers, traders, artisans and households across Mashi and its environs.
According to the minister, the substation, being provided through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), will deliver 120 MVA of transformation capacity, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts, upon completion.
He said the facility would strengthen the network’s capacity to deliver available electricity within Katsina State and neighbouring areas, creating better conditions for businesses and other productive activities.
Tegbe commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to reforming the power sector and advancing the country’s development agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that dependable electricity infrastructure was essential to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions, adding that investments such as the Mashi substation would help create stronger foundations for enterprise, employment and prosperity across the country.
The minister disclosed that the wayleave and compensation issues affecting the project had been satisfactorily resolved, paving the way for construction to proceed.
He said the project was scheduled for completion on March 31, 2027, and urged TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to maintain strict standards in design, equipment manufacturing, civil works, installation and testing.
Tegbe stressed the need for disciplined execution, adherence to safety requirements and prompt correction of defects to ensure the delivery of a reliable facility within the stipulated timeframe.
He also acknowledged the support of Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, whom he described as a partner in the project, alongside the Permanent Secretary, TCN Managing Director, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, traditional rulers, affected landowners and host communities.
The minister emphasised that collaboration among the Federal Government, state government, implementing agencies and host communities would remain critical to the successful completion of the project.
He called on residents of Mashi to support safe access to the construction site and protect the substation and its associated transmission lines after commissioning.
According to him, the community must promptly report suspicious activities to TCN or security agencies to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism and other threats.
“These assets will serve your businesses, your neighbours and your children; safeguarding them protects your own community’s future,” Tegbe said.
He urged all institutions involved in the project to ensure that the groundbreaking ceremony translated into measurable progress, while keeping the community informed and addressing emerging challenges promptly.
The minister said the ultimate objective was to deliver a facility capable of providing reliable service and supporting economic development in the area for years to come.
