The Abia state government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has flagged off the construction of a 7.5 MVA, 33/11 kV injection substation in Umuahia, the state capital, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, the Abia 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 marked the start of a broader plan to modernise 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, a 1.2km 11kV line, the installation of two 300kVA distribution transformers, and the development of a 2km low-tension network to improve last-mile electricity distribution.
He further disclosed that the Abia State Government had made provisions in the 2026 fiscal budget for the construction of another 7.5 MVA injection substation within the same axis. Upon completion, the two facilities will bring the total distribution capacity in the Ogurube Layout of Umuahia to 15 MVA.
The governor commended the federal government and NDPHC for selecting Abia for the intervention.
He also applauded ongoing power sector reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the new policies had 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, Engineer Jennifer Adighije, represented at the event by the Executive Director, Networks, Engineer Bello Babayo Bello, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity infrastructure across Nigeria.
She said the Umuahia substation aligned with NDPHC’s mandate of empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
Stakeholders at the ceremony emphasised that the partnership between the Federal Government, NDPHC, and the Abia State Government underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in delivering critical infrastructure. When completed, the new substation 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 neighbouring communities.
PIAK