Kashim Shettima has raised concerns over the increasing attacks on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, declaring the situation a national emergency.
Speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning of a new 15 megavolt-amperes (MVA) injection substation at the College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, Borno State, Shettima emphasized the urgent need for collective action to protect the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
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,” he said. “This invites all of us to treat interventions in our national electricity infrastructure as an emergency.”
He explained that the new facility, constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), includes a 0.1km 33kV line, 5km of 11kV lines, 5km of LT distribution networks, and three 500kVA distribution transformers.
He stated, “If we are truly concerned about expanding the industrial capacity and productivity of this great nation, we must make electricity a priority. The energy needs of each part of this country are a promise we cannot afford to take for granted.
Shettima who is the Chairman of NDPHC lauded the company’s role in Nigeria’s power sector development, saying, “NDPHC 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.
“Over the past decades, Nigeria’s power sector has been hampered by insufficient generation capacity, outdated transmission infrastructure, and inadequate distribution networks.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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“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,” he stated.
He further called for increased electricity generation close to consumption points to improve grid stability, especially in the North-East. He urged security agencies and local communities to take responsibility for safeguarding power facilities from vandalism.
“Our collective responsibility in this regard is critical to sustaining our ambition to transform the power sector,” he added.
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