The federal government has commenced the construction of a 120-megavolt-ampere (MVA) transmission substation in the Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State to boost electricity transmission capacity and support economic activities.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi, disclosed this on Friday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 132/33-kilovolt transmission substation in Mashi.

He said the project being executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would feature two 60MVA transformers with a combined capacity of 120MVA, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts.

According to him, the facility will enhance the network’s capacity to transmit available electricity to Katsina and neighbouring communities, thereby supporting households, businesses, farmers and artisans.

Mr Olasunkanmi commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting investments in the power sector, describing the project as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

He said issues relating to compensation for the project had been satisfactorily resolved, adding that completion was scheduled for March 2027.

The minister urged TCN, the contractor and the supervising engineers to ensure quality execution, compliance with safety standards and timely completion of the project.

He also appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractors, protect the facility and report suspicious activities around the construction site.

Mr Olasunkanmi stressed the need for effective communication among stakeholders throughout the construction and commissioning stages to ensure that the project delivers its intended benefits.

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State thanked Mr Tinubu for approving three transmission substation projects to improve electricity transmission and supply.

Mr Radda said the federal government had also supported other infrastructure projects to promote economic development in the state.

He cited the ongoing railway project linking Kano, Daura and Katsina, with an extension to Maradi in the Niger Republic, as another major infrastructure investment.

The governor commended the minister for visiting Mashi and supporting efforts to improve the state’s electricity infrastructure.

He also disclosed that solar panels and other components for a 10-megawatt hybrid power project combining wind and solar energy had arrived in Nigeria.

Mr Radda expressed optimism that the hybrid power project could be commissioned alongside the transmission substation, subject to the completion of the necessary works.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the federal government to improve electricity access and stimulate economic activities.

(NAN)