Gombe State Launches New Power Substation to Fuel Industrial Growth
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has officially launched the construction of a 1×7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadin Kowa. This project marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to boost industrial growth and drive economic transformation.
At the ceremony held on Thursday, Governor Yahaya emphasized that the project is a vital link between vision and reality for Gombe’s industrialization agenda. The initiative includes a 2.5km 33kV line tee-off from the Gombe–Dadin Kowa feeder, which will provide essential power infrastructure to support the industrial park.
“I am proud to welcome you all to this historic occasion,” the governor said. “This is the flag-off of the construction of a 1×7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection substation, along with a 2.5km 33kV line tee-off from the Gombe–Dadin Kowa feeder.”
Yahaya praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s power sector, calling it a critical pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Federal Government, its agencies, and the State Government.
“We are grateful for Mr. President’s support, and for the fruitful collaboration between the Federal Government, its agencies, and the State Government across many areas in the federation,” he added.
The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park was designed to ignite Gombe’s industrialization and transform its economy, with a focus on the agri-business value chain. The governor highlighted the state’s comparative advantage in fertile land and the hard work of its people.
“This Park is the engine room we are building to add significant value to our agricultural produce — from the farm to the industries and the market,” he explained.
Strategic Location for Industrial Development
The choice of Dadin Kowa for the project was strategic, given its proximity to the Dadin Kowa Dam and the 40MW Hydropower Plant managed by Mabon Energy Limited. Governor Yahaya noted that it makes sense to build an industrial cluster where energy and water infrastructure already exist.
He also highlighted his administration’s achievements in creating an enabling business environment. Gombe ranked first in Nigeria on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Ease of Doing Business ranking in 2021 and 2022.
“Through strategic institutions like the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency (GOSIPA) and the Gombe Revenue Optimization Company Limited (GROCOL), we have streamlined processes, removed bureaucratic bottlenecks, and sent a clear signal to the world that Gombe is open for business,” he stated.
Reliable Power Supply as a Key Component
The new power substation is described as the “final piece of the puzzle” to operationalize the Industrial Park. It will ensure a reliable power supply and unlock employment and investment opportunities.
“This injection substation, to be constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), will connect the park to the national grid and ensure a reliable and robust power supply,” the governor explained. “It is the final piece of the puzzle needed to operationalise the park and unleash its potential to engage our vibrant youth, support businesses, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our people.”
Yahaya commended NDPHC for its role, noting that the company is uniquely positioned for such interventions due to its joint ownership by the Federal and subnational governments.
“This model of ownership makes today’s collaboration not just beneficial, but essential. It is a perfect example of how federal institutions can work hand-in-hand with subnational governments to harness our unique industrial and energy potentials,” he said.
A Call for Collaboration and Community Involvement
The governor urged NDPHC management to view the project as the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership with the Gombe State Government.
“We have the vision, the resources, and the political will. With your continued support and collaboration, we can fully harness Gombe’s immense energy and industrial potentials,” he said.
He also called on host communities to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure its protection.
“This infrastructure is not just for the government; it is for you. It is the key to your prosperity and that of your children. I call on you all to be vigilant and protect these assets as your own. I also call on the contractor to ensure quality and timely execution of the project,” he appealed.
A Vision for the Future
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government to deliver critical infrastructure that will unlock Gombe’s industrial capacity.
“With this flag-off, we are igniting the engine of our industrial future. Together, with renewed hope and collective vigilance, we will build the Gombe State of our dreams,” he concluded.