By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
A major step toward strengthening electricity supply in Abia State was taken as the state government, in partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), on Thursday commenced the construction of a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV Injection Substation in Umuahia.
According to a statement made available to our correspondent, Governor Alex Otti who performed the groundbreaking ceremony described the project as a transformative initiative that will significantly boost power supply and enhance distribution reliability across the state.
He noted that the new infrastructure marks the beginning of a broader effort to modernise Abia’s power network.
The project is being executed by NDPHC under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). Its scope includes the construction of a 1km 33kV line, 1.2km of 11kV line, installation of two 300kVA distribution substations, and the provision of 2km of low-tension line.
Governor Otti commended the federal government and NDPHC for prioritising Abia for the strategic intervention. He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the power sector, which he said have expanded the national electricity framework to encourage stronger state participation, private sector investment, and global partnerships.
The governor further revealed that the state government has budgeted for an additional 7.5MVA Injection Substation in the 2026 fiscal year, which will raise the combined capacity in the Ogurube Layout area of Umuahia 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 access to reliable and sustainable electricity nationwide.
She said the Umuahia project reflects NDPHC’s mandate to empower communities and drive economic development.
The collaboration between the federal government, NDPHC, and the Abia State government, stakeholders said, highlights the power of strategic partnerships in delivering critical infrastructure.
When completed, the substation is expected to strengthen electricity supply, support small businesses, promote industrial development, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents of Umuahia and surrounding communities.