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•Targets 6000MW by December
By Adewale Sanyaolu
The nation’s power generation capacity has hit 4800MW, following the coming on stream of Zungeru power plant.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this at the commissioning of the 63MVA,132/33kV mobile substation in Ajah, yesterday.
“In tandem with this commissioning, I am pleased to announce the remote commissioning of a 60MVA power transformer at Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The equipment will boost our transmission wheeling capacity by 123MW, thereby paving the way for enhanced electricity supply for all Nigerians,” he said.
The minister said the federal government is working towards achieving 6000MW by December 2024, when the Siemens phase one power project would have been completed.
He equally disclosed the addition of 628 megawatts to the national grid.
According to him, the increase in grid wheeling capacity by 628 megawatts is as a result of the inauguration of the Zungeru power plant.
“As we inaugurate this 63MVA mobile substation, we recognise its multifaceted significance. The inauguration of this substation not only serves as a catalyst for capacity enhancement within the transmission network, but also stands as a beacon of hope for the businesses and households reliant on uninterrupted power supply,” he said.
Furthermore, he stressed that the versatility of the substation cannot be overstated. From addressing major load centers to serving as a stopgap measure during maintenance and emergencies, while its flexibility ensures swift responses to fluctuating power demands, thereby contributing to uninterrupted service delivery.
“These endeavours signify more than just infrastructural development, they represent a pivotal step towards revitalising our power sector and reaffirming our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens. I commend the collaborative efforts of the FGN Power Company, the German government, and Siemens Energy, whose partnership has facilitated the production and installation of these world-class assets.
“With an installed power generation capacity of 14GW, it is imperative that we maximise operational capacity to meet the needs of our growing population. We remain committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that drive productivity and socio-economic growth,” he said.
He, however, noted that the success of these initiatives hinges on collective responsibility.
“I implore all Nigerians to safeguard these vital installations against acts of vandalism and sabotage, recognizing them as essential economic assets crucial to our nation’s development.
As we celebrate the activation of this Mobile Substation, let us not only acknowledge its technological prowess but also reflect on the socio-economic impact for our communities. Enhanced power infrastructure serves as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and improved standards of living.”
