Fashola deems hope, says magic can’t solve Nigeria’s electricity problems

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has declared that the nation’s electricity problems cannot be solved by magic.

He said the problem of power supply in the country is slowly being solved.

Data from the ministry revealed that, as of 6AM on Wednesday, October 17, Nigeria’s total power generation stood at 3,729 megawatts.

The minister made the statement while speaking at the inauguration of the 2x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at the Ejigbo Transmission Substation, on Thursday in Lagos.

Fashola said the government expanded the transmission substation to serve the growing population in the area, adding that the capacity had been increased from 120MVA to 300MVA.

“This substation was built in 1970; the capacity was 60MVA then; except for the addition of another 60MVA, this community has grown exponentially; so, they have exceeded the installed capacity here,” he stated.

“Between that time and when President Buhari came three years ago, some people were there. But they will come back to you; so, when they come back, ask them if they didn’t know where to buy transformers.

“The problem of electricity is slowly being solved, one by one. Anybody will tell you he will do magic; tell him, ‘How?’ He should explain to you. We inherited 800 containers for power equipment left in the port for 10 years. President Buhari gave us approval, and we have recovered 690,” Fashola said.

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On his part, the Managing Director of Transmission Company Nigeria (TCN), Usman Mohammed, said the installation of the two units of 100MVA transformers at the Ejigbo Transmission Substation was funded by the World Bank through the firm’s project management unit.

“With the increase in the Ejigbo substation’s capacity, the TCN has substantially increased bulk electricity available in the substation for the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to take to its customers. Consequently, electricity consumers in Ejigbo, Egbe, Oke-Afa, Shasha, Ikotun, Ijegun, and Idimu town will now have improved power supply from Ikeja Electric.”

“Other benefits include relieve of some overloaded feeders in Egbe, Shasha and Oke-Afa. Also, the Lagos airport will now have more load allocated to it. Improved power supply in these areas will positively impact the socio-economic development of the areas in particular and the economy at large,” he said.

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