By Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON
Being the speech of His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), at the commissioning of the 1x15MVA, 33/11kV injection substation at the College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, Borno State.
Protocols
The energy needs of each part of this country are a promise we cannot afford to take for granted. Whether for industry or household use, personal or public consumption, our geographical and demographic size presents an electricity deficit that demands urgent and sustained action. If we are truly concerned about the expanding industrial capacity and productivity of this great nation, we must make electricity a priority. And this is precisely the purpose of our gathering today.
2. I am, therefore, honoured to commission the newly constructed 1x15MVA, 33/11kV injection substation here at the College of Agriculture, Maiduguri. This facility also comprises a 0.1km 33kV line, 5km of 11kV lines, 5km of LT distribution networks, and the installation of three 500kVA, 11/0.415kV distribution transformers.
3. Over the past decades, Nigeria’s power sector has been hampered by insufficient generation capacity, outdated transmission infrastructure, and inadequate distribution networks. These are well-known obstacles, and solutions to them have been placed firmly on the front burner by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, this administration has been unflinching in its commitment to overhauling the power sector, and today’s milestone is part of that broader vision.
4. I believe that this injection substation and its associated network will have a transformative impact on Maiduguri and its environs. By enhancing the quality of electricity supply, reducing losses, and improving voltage levels, this project will stimulate economic activities, fast-track the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, and support essential services such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. Beyond that, it will contribute significantly to the recovery and growth of Borno State, a state that has faced immense challenges in recent years.
5. The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has earned its status as the nation’s largest generation company by installed capacity. Its contributions to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure are unmatched, including building over 40% of the existing transmission infrastructure now operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. Furthermore, NDPHC has spearheaded the installation of more than 400 distribution projects across the country, of which today’s commissioning is a shining example.
6. However, the widespread power outages experienced across Northern Nigeria at the end of last year due to acts of vandalism serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our electricity infrastructure. This invites all of us to treat interventions in our national electricity infrastructure as an emergency. If we must improve grid stability, we must increase generation capacity close to the point of use. This means prioritising the establishment of more generation plants in regions with minimal capacity, including the North-East. NDPHC will continue to lead the way and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the national grid and ensure power supply across the country.
7. While I commend the efforts of the NDPHC and all stakeholders involved in this project’s successful execution, I must also emphasise the importance of protecting our electricity infrastructure. I urge the good people of Maiduguri and its environs to take active roles in protecting these facilities from vandalism. Our collective responsibility in this regard is critical to sustaining our ambition to transform the power sector.
8. Thank you, and may God bless us all.
