Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has flagged-off the “Bago Electrifying Niger Agenda” in Minna, to overhaul 600 transformers of different capacities .
Governor Umaru Bago at the event, explained that so far, 60 transformers of different capacities have been overhauled.
He said Niger State being the host to four hydro dams in Nigeria cannot depend completely on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), for the repairs or procurement of transformers hence, the State government has invested heavily in that regard.
The Governor further stated that about 200 transformers already procured by his administration, are set for distribution to deserving communities.
He noted that his administration has paid over N1 billion debt to AEDC and has established a partnership that would ensure Nigerlites enjoy consistent power supply.
The Governor then enjoined the AEDC officials to protect the transformers.
He appreciated the Atizan Concept Limited; the company in charge of the overhauling of the transformers, while expressing optimism that the transformers would boost the socio-economic activities in the State.
In his remarks, the Director General, Niger State Electricity Board, Alh. Yakubu Mohammed Katamba, said the project, which is in line with the New Niger Agenda of the present administration is aimed at reducing the cost of procuring new transformers by about 80 percent and saved the State N20 billion.
He disclosed that as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Atizan Concept Limited has promised to train the youths in the State on the concept of new technology of repairing and overhauling transformers.
The Project Coordinator, Aminu Isah Ahmadu, who commended the visionary leadership style and commitment of the farmer Governor while giving an overview of the project, said the transformers were fixed using quality materials.
He explained that an Overhauling Testing Certificate would be issued, as the transformers have been tested and certified by the relevant board, and announced a ten-year guarantee for the transformers.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Alh. Muhammed Bashir Lokogoma said the State government embarked on the project considering the overwhelming requests from the public on the supply of new or repair of existing transformers.
According to the commissioner, the sum of N898 million was approved by the Niger State Executive Council for the project.
He disclosed that a 10 MVA sub-station is being constructed in Lapai at the cost of N979 million to ensure efficient power supply to the people of Lapai and its environs.
The Chief Business Officer, Niger Zone, AEDC, Eng. Samuel Odekina and the Board Member AEDC, and former Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engineer Abubakar Atiku Tambuwal, in their separate goodwill messages, applauded the efforts of the farmer Governor in powering the State and in addressing other challenges of the State while assuring of their continued support to his vision by delivering power to every home and business in Niger State.
