Fashola seeks more investment in distribution networks

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said that for power to be adequately enjoyed by end users in the country, a lot investment must be carried out on the various distribution networks.He made this assertion during the commissioning of 1x60MVA 132/33KV transformer in Uyo transmission substation at Afaha Ube in Akwa-Ibom state.

According to him, if significant attention is not given to distribution networks, the efforts of Transmission Company of Nigeria [TCN] at increasing the capacity of power supply; would not be achieved.

“Although the Nigeria Electricity Industry is still facing liquidity problem, it is important to note that the only way that TCN’s rehabilitation and expansion programme can give maximum benefit to the nation is if a commensurate investment is done on the various distribution networks nationwide.

“Inadequacies in the distribution networks will limit the amount of power delivered to end users. This calls for significant investment in the distribution network”, he said.He noted that TCN was working in line with the Federal government’s policy of incremental power supply, noting that, such has led to the extension of its network, building new substations and strengthening existing ones across the country.

“As part of the program, another milestone has been achieved here today in the growing modern city of Uyo the capital city of AkwaIbom state with the installation of additional 1x60MVA transformer in the transmission substation. The capacity of the substation prior to this installation was 120MVA. This has increased to 180MVA capacity transmission substation with the commissioning now of the additional 60MVA power transformer”, he added.

The minister further explained that, with the installation of the new 1x60MVA power transformer in Afaha Ube, such has increased the total wheeling capacity of TCN to slightly 7,000MW.

He commended the state government for collaborating with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to install 2x60MVA substation at Mkpat Enin local government council of the state, stressing that, such would help improved the economic and social wellbeing of AkwaIbom people.

“On completion, the station will provide supply to IkotAbasi, Mkpat Enin, AkwaIbom State University, Meter Factory, Syringe factory, Coconut Refinery and others”.In his remarks, the AkwaIbom state governor, Udom Emmanuel, expressed satisfaction for the quick response from TCN for not only replacing the burnt transformer of the substation, but also increasing its capacity from 120MVA to 180MVA.

He noted that, since everything concerning transmission is in hands of the Federal government, the state was appreciative of the cooperation and collaboration it has enjoyed from TCN, adding that, his administration dream of providing 24hours power supply to people of the state would soon come to pass.

“I am happy at the responses and collaboration we had so far, my appreciation goes to TCN for what they have done and for the quick response in terms of replacing the burnt transformer and increasing the capacity here.“We are marching towards there, honestly the foundation so far laid, it very easy in the nest one year between 15 to 18 months, I can do power for all in this state convincingly with what we have done”, he said. .