The Federal Government has commissioned two power transformers in Katsina State, increasing the installed capacity of the Kankia Transmission Substation by 150 per cent.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commissioned the transformers at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) facility and also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new transmission substation in Mashi.
Funded by the World Bank, the projects are being delivered through the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, with China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute serving as contractor. They aim to strengthen electricity transmission and improve bulk power supply across Katsina State.
Tegbe described the projects as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places reliable electricity at the heart of economic development.
He explained that installing two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers in Kankia had raised the substation’s installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, equivalent to approximately 120 megawatts.
The minister said the 150 per cent increase would help meet previously unmet electricity demand and improve bulk supply to Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for onward distribution to consumers.
The new Mashi substation will feature two 60MVA transformers, providing a combined capacity of 120MVA, equivalent to approximately 96MW, upon completion. It is expected to strengthen the transmission network serving Mashi and neighbouring communities.
TCN Managing Director, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the Katsina power projects would address capacity limitations and improve electricity availability. The Kankia upgrade also includes expanding the control room and replacing analogue systems with digital control and protection panels.
The improvements are expected to ease supply constraints in Kankia, Dutsinma, Danbatta and Musawa.
Abdulaziz said the Mashi project responds to years of poor electricity supply and low voltage, which have affected households, businesses, farm produce preservation and public services.
Tegbe also praised Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda for supporting infrastructure development. Abdulaziz urged residents and community leaders to protect the facilities against vandalism.
