(DDM) – The Abia State government, in partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has commenced construction of a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation in Umuahia.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Governor Alex Otti performed the groundbreaking ceremony, describing the project as transformative for electricity supply and distribution reliability across the state.
The governor noted that this initiative marks the start of a wider plan to modernize Abia’s power network and expand access to sustainable electricity.
The project is being executed under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) by NDPHC, with the scope including a 1km 33kV line, 1.2km 11kV line, two 300kVA distribution substations, and 2km of low-tension line.
Governor Otti commended the federal government and NDPHC for prioritizing Abia in this strategic intervention, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s reforms in the power sector.
He said Tinubu’s policies have encouraged stronger state participation, private sector investment, and global partnerships in electricity infrastructure.
The governor revealed that the state government has budgeted for an additional 7.5MVA injection substation in the 2026 fiscal year, which will double the Ogurube Layout area’s capacity to 15MVA once completed.
NDPHC Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, represented at the event by Executive Director, Networks, Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity nationwide.
She said the Umuahia project reflects NDPHC’s mandate to empower communities, drive economic development, and support industrial growth.
Stakeholders noted that this collaboration between the federal government, NDPHC, and Abia State demonstrates the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in delivering critical infrastructure.
The substation, once completed, is expected to strengthen electricity supply, enhance service reliability, and support small businesses in Umuahia and surrounding areas.
It is also anticipated to attract further industrial investments and contribute to improved quality of life for residents.
Analysts say that the addition of modern substations and upgraded transmission lines is crucial for addressing power shortages that have long affected residents and businesses in southeastern Nigeria.
The project aligns with broader federal initiatives to modernize the national electricity grid and improve distribution efficiency in underserved regions.
Local communities have expressed optimism that the new substation will reduce frequent power outages and create opportunities for economic growth.
DDM reports that the partnership highlights how state and federal collaboration can accelerate infrastructure development, particularly in essential sectors like energy.
Construction is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months, with commissioning scheduled soon after to integrate the facility into Abia State’s electricity network.
Experts emphasize that such projects are critical for achieving long-term energy security, promoting industrialization, and enabling sustainable development across Nigeria.
The Umuahia substation represents a strategic investment in the state’s electricity infrastructure, reinforcing Abia’s position as a growing hub for business and industrial activities.
This initiative is part of a broader federal and state effort to ensure reliable electricity supply, reduce power deficits, and improve economic prospects for citizens across southeastern Nigeria.