The Federal Government has commenced construction of a 2×60 MVA, 132/33 kV transmission substation in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, with the project expected to strengthen electricity supply to homes, farms and businesses across the area.
Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, led the ground- breaking ceremony in Garo town on Friday, alongside Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The Mashi substation will add 120 MVA, equivalent to approximately 96 megawatts, to the national grid.
Officials said the facility would help address years of poor electricity supply, low voltage and frequent outages affecting households, traders, farmers and industries in Mashi and neighbouring communities.
Tegbe directed TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to ensure quality delivery and meet the revised completion date of March 31, 2027.
He also urged residents to cooperate with the construction team and protect the facility against vandalism.
The minister said compensation to project-affected persons had been fully paid and that all outstanding issues relating to land and equipment had been resolved before construction began.
TCN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the project includes the construction of the substation, installation of protection and control panels, and civil works required to improve bulk power delivery through the Kano Electricity Distribution Company network.
Governor Radda described the project as a major investment in Katsina’s economic future and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving it. He said improved electricity supply would support businesses and development in Mashi and surrounding communities.
During the visit, Tegbe also unveiled two 60 MVA transformers at the Kankia transmission substation.
The upgrade increased the station’s installed capacity from 60 MVA to 150 MVA—equivalent to about 120 megawatts—to serve communities including Kankia, Dutsenma, Danbatta and Musawa.
The minister and state officials further inspected the 2×100 MVA gas-insulated switchgear transmission substation under construction in Katsina town.
Once completed, the facility will provide an additional 200 MVA of transformation capacity and improve bulk power availability for KEDCO distribution across Katsina and adjoining communities.
