The Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, has constructed a 330/132/3kV, 2x150MVA and 2x60MVA transmission sub-station in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The development will be the first time that the state capital, Lafia and its environs would be connected to the national grid since its creation on October 1, 1996.

Executive Director, Networks, NDPHC, IfeOluwa Oyedele who led a team from the company on a pre-commissioning inspection visit to Akurba, Lafia where the station is located, said the project would enhance uninterrupted power supply in the communities.

Oyedele said before now, even the Government House in Lafia could not run on electricity from the distribution network because the 33kV line that comes from Akwanga was inadequate to power the state capital and its environs.

“Fortunately, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has already awarded the necessary distribution contracts that will ensure that as soon as the transmission substation is commissioned, the whole area would be lighted up,” Oyedele stated.

While describing the construction as a ‘landmark project’, Oyedele said: “The project has tremendous local content built into it as most of the technicians and engineers who did the construction were Nigerians thereby increasing local capacity.

“Many factories including heavy industries are now springing up in Nasarawa State in anticipation of the commissioning of the transmission substation as they are now rest assured of adequate supply of electricity.”

Deputy Managing Director of AK-AY Elektrik, the contractor handling the project, Dr. Mohammed Gumi said the project would be completely ready for commissioning within the next few weeks when connection to the national grid through the line-in, line-out will be completed.