Abuja’s New Electricity Masterplan Set to Transform Capital into a Smart City – Engr Liman

By Abubakar Yunusa

In a bold move to address the Federal Capital City’s (FCC) growing power needs and future development, the Deputy Director (Electrical) of the Department of Engineering Service, FCDA, Engr Abdullahi Suleiman Liman, announced that a newly unveiled Electricity Masterplan (EMP) outlines a comprehensive strategy for electrical infrastructure.

Engr. Liman presented this information at the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE Abuja branch technical session of the Monthly General Meeting of July and coincidentally the last general meeting of Engr. Ben Osy Okoh 2-year tenor as the Chairman, which was held virtually due to anti-government protests.

According to Liman, the EMP is designed to guarantee reliable power supply for residents and businesses while positioning the city for transformation into a modern, smart city.

He explained, “The Masterplan focuses on three crucial components: the transmission system, substations, and distribution system. These elements are essential for efficiently delivering bulk power from the national grid throughout Abuja. The plan integrates seamlessly with the city’s existing infrastructure and prepares for future expansion.”

Highlighting the EMP’s key components, Liman elaborated that the plan includes connections to the national grid at 132/330KV, feeding into various substations within the city. This system will ensure a stable and high-capacity power supply.

“Transition points will reduce the voltage from 132KV to 33KV for safe and efficient distribution to individual areas.

Three major substations—North Main, Garki Main, and West Main—are planned for strategic locations across the city, sourced from Shiroro Hydro Power Station, Enugu/Makurdi/Lafia, and Ajaokuta-Gwagwalada-Lugbe, respectively,” he added.“

The EMP also addresses the distribution network at the district level, encompassing 33/11KV substations and packaged distribution transformers.

This setup will enhance power delivery to residential and commercial areas, ensuring consistent electricity supply.

The Deputy Director emphasized that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) will collaborate to manage the infrastructure.

TCN will oversee the 330KV & 132KV facilities, while FCDA will handle the 33/11KV facilities for districts and rural areas.

“The implementation of the EMP signifies a significant step towards meeting Abuja’s power demands, accommodating rapid urbanization, and supporting the city’s vision of becoming a smart, sustainable metropolis.

“As the FCC continues to grow, this Masterplan will be instrumental in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for all residents,” Liman said.