Power Boost for Katsina as FG Begins 120MVA Mashi Substation Project, Commissions 150MVA Kankia Station
The Federal Government has commenced work on a new 2×60 MVA 132/33kV transmission substation in Mashi and commissioned upgraded 2×60 MVA power transformers at the Kankia transmission substation, both in Katsina State, to strengthen electricity supply in the state.
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, performed both events on Thursday, October 23, 2026.
At Mashi, the Minister said the Federal Government, through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is providing a new 2×60 MVA 132/33kV substation that will deliver 120 MVA of transformation capacity, equivalent to approximately 96MW on completion.
He said the project will enhance the network’s ability to deliver available electricity within Katsina and its environs to support farmers, traders, artisans and households.
Tegbe disclosed that the wayleave and compensation issues affecting the project have been satisfactorily resolved, with completion scheduled for March 31, 2027.
He charged TCN, the contractor and supervising engineers to ensure disciplined execution, with attention to quality, safety and timely delivery at every stage of design, equipment manufacture, civil works, installation and testing.
At Kankia, the Minister commissioned two 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers installed to replace one existing 30MVA transformer.
With the remaining 30MVA unit still in place, the exercise raises the substation’s installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, equivalent to about 120MW, representing a 150 per cent increase.
He said the upgrade will help meet previously suppressed demand and strengthen bulk supply to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for onward delivery to consumers.
According to him, the interventions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places reliable electricity at the centre of national development.
He commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for his support and partnership, as well as traditional rulers, host communities and affected landowners for enabling the projects.
Tegbe noted that while the Mashi project is a greenfield development, the Kankia upgrade was executed by the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, with China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute as contractor and support from the World Bank.
He urged TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and KEDCO to ensure close coordination so that the additional capacity at Kankia translates into improved service. The Minister also appealed to the people of Mashi to support the construction and ensure the protection of the facilities.
