Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated a 15 megavolt-amperes (MVA) injection substation in Maiduguri, Borno State, highlighting the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s power infrastructure against vandalism.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the College of Agriculture in Maiduguri, Shettima stressed the escalating attacks on power facilities, labeling the situation as an emergency. He called on security agencies and citizens to actively safeguard the country’s electricity infrastructure to prevent disruptions that have significant economic consequences.
“The widespread power outages experienced across Northern Nigeria last year due to acts of vandalism remind us of the fragility of our electricity infrastructure. This compels us to treat interventions in our national electricity infrastructure as an emergency,” the Vice President stated.
New Substation to Bolster Power Supply
The newly constructed facility, built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), consists of a 1x15MVA, 33/11kV injection substation, a 0.1km 33kV line, 5km of 11kV lines, 5km of low-tension distribution networks, and three 500kVA distribution transformers.
According to Shettima, the substation will improve electricity supply in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas by enhancing voltage levels, reducing energy losses, and supporting critical economic activities.
“This project will stimulate economic growth, boost small and medium-scale enterprises, and support essential services. If we are truly committed to expanding industrial capacity and national productivity, electricity must remain a top priority,” he said.
A Call for Collective Action
As Chairman of the NDPHC, Shettima praised the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, noting its role as the country’s largest power generation company by installed capacity. He emphasized the NDPHC’s efforts in building over 40% of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure, which is currently managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Despite these achievements, Shettima acknowledged the power sector’s long-standing challenges, including insufficient generation capacity, outdated transmission infrastructure, and inadequate distribution networks. He assured Nigerians that addressing these obstacles remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Vice President urged the residents of Maiduguri to actively protect the new substation and other power facilities from vandalism, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial to sustaining progress in the power sector.
“Our collective responsibility to secure these facilities is vital to achieving our ambition of transforming the power sector and ensuring reliable electricity for all,” he concluded.
Transformative Potential for the Northeast
Shettima further emphasized the importance of increasing electricity generation closer to consumption points, particularly in the northeast, to improve grid stability and meet the region’s energy needs.
The Vice President’s remarks reflect the administration’s broader strategy to address Nigeria’s energy challenges and prioritize investments that drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
