Introduction
Igala Land, situated in Kogi State, Nigeria, is a region rich in cultural heritage and strategic significance. Despite its importance, this senatorial district stands out as the only one in Nigeria lacking a 132kVA transmission station. This peculiar situation is even more striking given that Kogi State hosts two major power generation companies in Ajaokuta. This article delves into the implications of this power infrastructure gap, the efforts of political representatives like Honourable Halims and Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane, and the current status of the abandoned 132kVA substation in Anyigba.
The Strategic Importance of Igala Land
Igala Land’s geographical location positions it as a critical hub within Nigeria. It is strategically situated at the confluence of major highways and waterways, facilitating trade and movement. The region is not only central to Kogi State but also connects various parts of Nigeria, making it vital for economic activity. However, despite its strategic advantages, the lack of a 132kVA transmission station has hindered its potential for growth and development.
The Power Infrastructure Gap: A Critical Overview
The absence of a 132kVA transmission station in Igala Land translates to significant disadvantages in terms of power supply and reliability. Kogi State is home to two major power generation companies: the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). These facilities are expected to support the energy needs of the region, yet the distribution infrastructure remains inadequate.
According to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), many regions in Nigeria face challenges in accessing reliable power supply, leading to adverse effects on local economies and quality of life (NERC, 2022). Igala Land exemplifies this issue, where local businesses struggle to operate efficiently without a stable power supply, ultimately impacting economic growth.
Political Advocacy: Honourable Halims and Senator Ugbane’s Efforts
Honourable Halims’ Advocacy
Honourable Halims has emerged as a significant advocate for addressing the power infrastructure deficit in Igala Land. His efforts can be detailed as follows:
Motions in the House of Representatives : Halims has consistently brought the issue of inadequate power supply in Igala Land to the forefront of national discourse. By presenting motions in the House of Representatives, he has highlighted the urgent need for a 132kVA transmission station in Anyigba, emphasizing the detrimental effects of power shortages on local businesses and community development.
Engagement with Stakeholders : He has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations, fostering dialogue to present a unified front advocating for improved power infrastructure.
Public Awareness Campaigns : Halims has initiated public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of reliable power supply, mobilizing community support for the construction of the 132kVA station.
Collaboration with Other Legislators : He has sought collaboration with lawmakers to build bipartisan support for the project, leveraging additional resources and advocacy efforts.
Monitoring and Accountability : Halims emphasizes the need for transparency in the execution of power projects, calling for regular updates from authorities to ensure commitments are fulfilled.
Mobilizing Community Support : He has worked to unite various community groups to support the demand for the transmission station, creating a broader coalition advocating for change.
Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane’s Contributions
Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane has also played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of the 132kVA transmission station in Igala Land. His contributions can be outlined as follows:
Strategic Advocacy : Ugbane has consistently raised the issue of power supply in Igala Land during Senate sessions, advocating for the siting of the 132kVA station in Anyigba. His speeches often emphasize the critical need for reliable electricity to drive economic development in the region.
Collaboration with Government Agencies : Ugbane has worked closely with relevant government bodies to secure funding and technical support for the project. His efforts have included discussions with the Ministry of Power and other stakeholders to facilitate the establishment of the transmission station.
Community Engagement: By engaging with local leaders and constituents, Ugbane has gathered support for the project, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard in policy discussions. His outreach efforts have helped to raise awareness about the importance of reliable power supply.
Mobilizing Resources : Ugbane has sought to mobilize both public and private sector resources to support the construction of the 132kVA station. His networking skills have been instrumental in attracting attention to the project and rallying support from other lawmakers and business leaders.
Oversight and Accountability : Ugbane has emphasized the importance of accountability in the implementation of power projects. He has called for regular updates and monitoring to ensure that the established timelines are met and that the project remains on track.
The Status of the Anyigba Substation: An Ongoing Challenge
The abandoned 132kVA substation in Anyigba remains a significant concern for the residents of Igala Land. While there have been discussions about its potential completion, the project has yet to be realized. This ongoing delay exacerbates the power supply issues facing the community and underscores the urgent need for action.
Local authorities and community leaders have called for increased attention to this project, emphasizing that its completion could dramatically improve energy access and support local businesses (Kogi State Government, 2023). Until the Anyigba substation is completed and operational, the energy challenges in Igala Land will persist, limiting economic opportunities and quality of life for its residents.
Conclusion
The strategic location of Igala Land in Kogi State underscores the importance of addressing its power infrastructure challenges. As the only senatorial district in Nigeria without a 132kVA transmission station, the region has faced significant hurdles in economic development. However, the advocacy efforts of individuals like Honourable Halims and Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane highlight the potential for change. Moving forward, it is imperative that both government and private stakeholders collaborate to ensure that Igala Land’s energy needs are met, ultimately transforming it into a thriving economic hub within Nigeria.
This article aims to highlight the critical power infrastructure needs of Igala Land while recognizing the ongoing challenges that remain, particularly through the dedicated efforts of Honourable Halims and Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane.
– Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon writes from Lokoja.
References
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). (2022). Annual Report on Electricity Supply in Nigeria.
House of Representatives. (2023). Proceedings of the House of Representatives on Power Infrastructure Issues.
Kogi State Government. (2023). Updates on the Anyigba 132kVA Substation Project.
