Nigeria’s Grid Gets Boost with New Transformers and Substations

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has invested more than N500bn ($312mil) in expanding Nigeria's transmission network, with a significant focus on installing power transformers to support electricity delivery nationwide.

Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director and CEO of NDPHC, disclosed this during a visit to the 330/132/33kV Lafia Transmission Substation in Nasarawa State, completed in 2022. The substation includes two 150 MVA and two 60 MVA power transformers, along with a 75 MVA reactor, and plays a key role in stabilizing supply in the region.

Adighije, accompanied by Kassim Abdullahi, Executive Director, Generation; Dr. Steven Andzenge, Executive Director, Legal Services; and Bello Babayo Bello, Executive Director, Networks, said NDPHC's investments span new transmission lines, substations, transformer installations, and line-bay extensions across the country.

"This is a world-class facility delivered by NDPHC and now operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria," said Adighije. "Transformers like those here in Lafia are essential to strengthening grid capacity and reducing bottlenecks."

She noted that while the company's power plants have enough generation capacity, weak transmission infrastructure, including limited transformer availability, restricts how much power reaches end users.

During a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule, she emphasized the importance of coordination across the energy chain. Sule welcomed the upgrades but stressed that poor distribution still limits reliable supply.

"Transmission has improved, but without stronger distribution, it's a challenge. Power generated must be used," he said.