The Abia State has taken a significant step towards improving electricity
supply.
This comes as the State government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), flagged off the construction of a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV Injection Substation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, the State Governor, Alex Otti described the project as a transformative investment that will greatly enhance power availability and distribution reliability across the State.
Governor Otti noted that “the initiative marks the start of a broader plan to modernize Abia’s power infrastructure and strengthen service delivery to residents and businesses.”
The substation project is being executed under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and its components include the construction of a 1km 33kV line, 1.2km of 11kV line, installation of two 300kVA distribution transformers, and the development of 2km of low-tension network to improve last-mile electricity distribution.
He further disclosed that the Abia State Government has made provisions in the 2026 fiscal budget for the construction of another 7.5MVA Injection Substation within the same axis. Upon completion, the
two facilities will bring the total distribution capacity in the Ogurube Layout of Umuahia to 15MVA.
The Governor commended the Nigerian Government and NDPHC for selecting Abia for the intervention.
He also applauded ongoing power sector
reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated that the new policies have broadened the national electricity landscape to allow greater State involvement, increased private sector investment, and stronger international collaboration.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Managing Director/CEO, Jennifer Adighije was represented at the event by Executive Director, Networks, Bello Babayo Bello.
Adighije reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity infrastructure across Nigeria.
She said the Umuahia substation aligns with NDPHC’s mandate of empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
Stakeholders at the ceremony however emphasized that the partnership between the Nigerian Government, NDPHC, and the Abia State Government underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in delivering critical infrastructure.
The project when completed is expected to improve power supply, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, support industrialisation, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents of Umuahia and neighboring communities.
Olusola Akintonde