Investment in power sector yielding results – FG 

The Minister of Power Engr Abubakar Aliyu says the federal government’s investment in the sector is already yielding result with improved grid and priority on completion of all ongoing power projects, adding that improved grid has significantly reduced the frequency of power systems collapse.

Engr Aliyu said this on Tuesday in Markudi when he paid a courtesy visit to Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, as part of his working visit to inspect ongoing power projects in Benue State.

The minister expressed President Mohammadu Buhari’s commitment to improving the sector saying, “Power is one of the areas that the federal government is giving much attention to. President Muhammdu Buhari’s emphasis on infrastructure include the power component that will bring stability of electricity in Nigeria.”

He explained that the team was in the state to inspect the ongoing construction of a 40 megawatts (MW) electricity plant from Kashimbila, Taraba to Yandev in Benue.
“The project is in two phases; phase one is from Kashimbila to Yandev, and phase two is from Yandev to Makurdi.

“Part of phase two of the project include the construction of 2 by 60 MVA, 132/33KV substation at Ugba. Construction of 2 by 7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation (switching station) at Zaki Biam. Construction of 2 by 7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation (switching station) at Buruku. Construction of 2 by7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation (switching station at Anyii. Construction of 22.5km 33kV DC line from Ugba to Zaki Biam. Construction of 19.1km 33kV DC line from Ugba to Buruku. Construction of 36.5km 33kV DC line from Ugba to Anyiin,” the minister said.

He also said phase one is completed while phase two will be completed within six months, adding that his visit to Benue state is part of efforts to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Responding Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom praised the administration of President Muhammdu Buhari, adding that there is an improvement of electricity in Nigeria.

“I am delighted by what the federal ministry of power is doing in Benue state and the visit of the minister and his team shows rare commitment to Benue state. I am now more educated about what the federal government is doing to improve electricity,” Governor Ortom said.

The governor also said Benue State government is ready to support the federal government’s investment in electricity in Benue State and called for more co-operation between all tiers of government for the development of the power sector.

The minister and his team visited the power station at Yandev and was conducted round the facility.