Nigerian Govt. begins construction of N6.8bn, 60/40MVA 132/33kV transmission substation at Ibiono-Ibom, Akwa Ibom State

Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Government has commenced the construction of a 2×30/40MVA substation worth N6.8 billion in Ibiono Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State, with a completion period of 18 months, and dedicated to improving power generation and supply to the people of the state.

Prince Goddy Jeddy-Agba, Minister of State for Power, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, during the groundbreaking ceremony noted that the 2x30MVA substation was in fulfillment of his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom state.

He said, “We are here for an official groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of a 2×30/40MVA substation at Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom state, the contract for the engineering, procurement, and construction of 2×30/40MVA substation was awarded to M/S Jamec West Africa Ltd.

Jeddy-Agba revealed that the project would improve service delivery and increase capacity to supply power to the good people of Akwa Ibom and other neighbouring states.

He said that the project upon completion would strengthen the national grid by increasing its wheeling capacity to 25,000MW by 2025.

While commending the people of Idedep for donating the parcel of land for which the project will be sited, he also charged the Akwa Ibom State government to provide all necessary support and assistance to ensure prompt competition of the project.

In his remarks, Gov. Udom Emmanuel pledged the state government support for the completion of the project in record time.

The Governor who was represented by Mr. John Etim, Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, commended President Buhari for the project in FG begins construction of N6.8bn 2×30/40MVA 132/33kV transmission substation at Ibiono-Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, promised the commitment of the State Government to the timely completion of this power project.

Mr. Philip Okpanefe, Assistant Director (Transmission), Federal Ministry of Power while introducing the project said that the Federal Government has awarded the contract for the construction of the substation to JAMEC West Africa Ltd. for completion within 18 months.

Okpanefe said that the contract has foreign and local components, explaining that the foreign component is in US dollars while the local component is in Naira.

He however called on the community people to cooperate and assist the contractor to ensure prompt completion of the project.

He warned that the government would not be happy with the community for any delay after funds had been released to execute the contract.

The facilitator of the project, Sen. Ita Enang, former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, said the project when completed would enhance the economic growth of the people, as small-scale businesses will spring up due to the availability of regular power supply.

Enang, who is also the APC gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom charged the people to protect the project, cooperate with the contractors to complete the contract within the stipulated time for the benefit of the community.