In a major step towards enhancing electricity supply across Ekiti State, the Federal Government of Nigeria has delivered essential transmission equipment and accessories to facilitate the establishment of two new 132/33kV substations. The move is part of an intensified effort to strengthen the national power infrastructure and ensure equitable distribution of electricity across the country.
The Ekiti power equipment, comprising transformers, transmission lines, electric poles, and wires, was received over the weekend at the Omisanjana Transmission Station in Ado Ekiti by the state’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, alongside the General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Ekiti, Victor Famoroti.
Speaking during the handover, Prof. Aluko revealed that the two substations will be sited at Ilupeju Ekiti and Ijesa Isu Ekiti. A switching station is also planned for Ikere Ekiti. These installations, he said, are expected to significantly enhance the bulk transmission of power across the northern and central senatorial districts of Ekiti.
“The additional substations will contribute 240MVA (comprising four 60MVA transformers) to the existing 140MVA capacity of the Omisanjana substation,” Aluko stated. “This is a transformative investment in the power infrastructure of the state.”
According to the commissioner, the equipment arrived in 15 trucks, making this the largest batch received so far since the commencement of the project three years ago. Previous deliveries had been made to Ijesa Isu, Ilupeju, and Ikere, but this latest consignment marks a turning point in the project’s execution timeline.
Aluko emphasized that the installation of the new substations and infrastructure will be completed by the end of 2025, noting that the project will undergo rigorous processes including pole installation, wiring, testing, and integration into the grid.
“We are optimistic that this critical infrastructure will be ready before the year ends. The residents of Ekiti have waited patiently, and we believe their perseverance will soon be rewarded with improved electricity supply,” he said.
The state’s Independent Power Project (IPP), also referenced by Aluko, is another milestone in Ekiti’s energy strategy. He highlighted that before the advent of the IPP, the state had no local power generation, relying solely on the national grid through Omisanjana. The new substations will not only decentralize electricity transmission but also strengthen Ekiti’s ability to accommodate increased power generation from future sources.
“Electricity loses strength the farther it travels,” Aluko explained. “By increasing the number of substations, we are bringing power closer to the people, thereby ensuring better voltage, reliability, and efficiency in distribution.”
The commissioner added that the project will eliminate excuses related to grid limitations and open the state to future investments in renewable and conventional power generation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji was lauded for his commitment to improving infrastructure and accelerating the implementation of the Federal Government’s agenda for industrialization and energy development. Aluko reaffirmed the state government’s collaboration with TCN and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable energy access to underserved areas.
The new substations are expected to power homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools, thereby stimulating economic activity and improving living standards across the sta