FG adds two 60MVA transformers at Katsina's Kankia substation, boosting capacity 150%

Residents of Kankia and nearby towns in Katsina State should see stronger bulk electricity supply after the Federal Government commissioned two 60MVA power transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commissioned the transformers at the weekend. According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the upgrade raised the substation's installed transformation capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, which is about 120 megawatts.

TCN said the extra capacity gives room to meet demand that had been held back and strengthens bulk supply to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), which delivers power to homes and businesses.

The TCN Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, explained that the substation previously had two 30MVA transformers with a combined 60MVA. As demand grew in the KEDCO area, that capacity could no longer cope, leading to suppressed load.

The work also involved expanding the control room for digital control and protection panels in place of analogue systems, expanding the 33kV busbar and adding outgoing feeders. TCN expects this to ease supply constraints in Kankia, Dutsinma, Danbatta and Musawa.

New substation for Mashi

Tegbe also performed the groundbreaking for a new 2 x 60MVA, 132/33kV substation in Mashi, which will provide 120MVA, about 96 megawatts, when completed. He said issues around wayleave and compensation have been settled, and the project is scheduled for completion by 31 March 2027.

Abdulaziz said Mashi and neighbouring communities have for years faced inadequate supply and poor voltage, affecting households, farm produce preservation, small businesses and public services.

The minister also inspected the ongoing 2 x 100MVA gas-insulated switchgear substation in Katsina town, which will provide 200MVA, about 160 megawatts, when finished.

Tribune reported that the projects are funded by the World Bank and delivered through the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, with China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute as contractor. The Sun's report did not name the funder or contractor.

Tegbe described the work as progress under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, and commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda for supporting federal infrastructure projects in the state. TCN urged residents to protect the equipment from vandalism.

What happens next

The Kankia transformers are already in service. The Mashi substation is expected to be completed by the end of March 2027, while work continues on the larger Katsina town facility.