Federal Government Advances Electricity Reforms with New Substations and 302.4MW National Grid Injection

 

Nigeria's electricity sector received a significant upgrade as the Federal Government commissioned a new mobile substation project, injecting 50.4 megawatts into the national grid. This milestone was achieved through the combined efforts of the FGN Power Company and Siemens Energy, marking another critical step in the country's ongoing effort to modernize and stabilize its energy infrastructure.

During the official commissioning held on Thursday in Eleyele, located within the Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the development as a beacon of progress for both households and industries across Ibadan and its surrounding regions. Communities such as Apete, Ologuneru, and Sango are expected to experience noticeable improvements in power delivery as a result of this new addition.

The centerpiece of the initiative is a 63 megavolt-ampere (MVA), 132/33 kilovolt (kV) mobile substation designed to relieve pressure from overloaded transmission lines and stabilize voltage in underserved areas. Adelabu noted that this infrastructure directly supports the national objective of increasing electricity transmission capacity, and it sets a precedent for further advancements under the Presidential Power Initiative.

Oyo State's inclusion in the project is part of a broader federal plan to distribute energy solutions more evenly across Nigeria. The Power Minister elaborated that the government’s strategy involves the rollout of six new mobile substations nationwide, each designed to contribute 50.4MW to the grid. When all are completed, they will deliver a total capacity boost of 302.4MW, which is expected to have a transformative effect on national electricity reliability.

Work is already nearing completion on a second 50.4MW mobile substation at the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Imo State. According to Adelabu, this is a testament to the Federal Government's dedication to deploying infrastructure that meets both urban and institutional energy needs.

Commissioning the Eleyele substation is not just about expanding the grid; it also symbolizes the power of international collaboration. Siemens Energy, Germany's industrial giant, played a pivotal role in the project. Their technical expertise and resource support were instrumental in bringing the project to life, reinforcing the value of global partnerships in solving Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.

Minister Adelabu expressed optimism that these mobile substations would ease power shortages in critical regions. Beyond residential users, he emphasized the impact on local businesses, many of which struggle with unreliable electricity. Improved access to consistent power could translate to reduced operating costs, job creation, and increased productivity, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

The substation project aligns with broader reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. In a statement from June this year, Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, revealed that the administration had successfully added 2000MW to the national grid within a short period. This figure, combined with ongoing projects like the Eleyele substation, reflects a strong push to close the gap between electricity demand and supply in the country.

Nigeria, with its estimated population exceeding 250 million, continues to struggle with an energy supply that fluctuates between 4,500MW and just over 5,100MW. This falls far short of what is required for a population of that size, resulting in chronic power outages, economic disruptions, and diminished quality of life for millions. The commissioning of modular substations like the one in Oyo State represents a strategic response to this persistent problem, offering scalable and efficient solutions that can be deployed more rapidly than traditional infrastructure.

By embracing these mobile units, the government is attempting to bypass some of the bottlenecks that have historically plagued the energy sector. Land acquisition issues, bureaucratic delays, and aging grid infrastructure have often slowed down the deployment of new power stations. Mobile substations provide a way around these challenges, bringing rapid relief to areas where demand has outpaced supply.

The Power Minister reaffirmed that the current administration remains committed to seeing the entire six-substation project through to completion. As the national grid gradually absorbs the new capacity, stakeholders across the board are watching to see whether these innovations will finally bridge the long-standing energy deficit.

Electricity consumers in Oyo State, especially in Eleyele and its neighboring districts, are expected to experience more reliable supply in the coming weeks. Residents have already begun expressing cautious optimism, eager to see whether this initiative translates into consistent power in their homes and places of work.

Looking ahead, sustained collaboration between local authorities, federal institutions, and international partners will be essential to maintain momentum. For now, the successful commissioning in Oyo State stands as a promising indicator of what could be achieved when infrastructure goals are matched with decisive action.