FG commissions 616MW projects in Kano, Katsina

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us FG commissions 616MW projects in Kano, Katsina Business & Economy October 26, 2026 12:01 am File photo: Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe

The Federal Government has added 616 megawatts of transmission capacity to the national electricity grid through newly commissioned projects in Kano and Katsina states, as it moves to ease pressure on existing substations and improve electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential consumers in the North-West.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commissioned the projects on Thursday and Friday, 22 and 23 October, 2026, including a new transmission substation and six transformer projects. He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new substation in Mashi, Katsina State, and inspected an ongoing 200MVA gas-insulated switchgear substation in Katsina.

A statement issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria on Sunday said the projects would strengthen bulk electricity delivery, improve the transmission network’s capacity, and provide additional room to accommodate rising demand.

The ministry said the projects added 240MW of capacity at the 330-kilovolt level and 376MW at the 132kV level, bringing the combined capacity to 616MW.

The development comes amid persistent electricity supply challenges across Nigeria, where inadequate transmission infrastructure, ageing equipment and constraints in the power value chain continue to limit the amount of electricity that can be delivered reliably to consumers.

The statement, quoting the minister’s speech during the commissioning of projects in Kano State, said the investments were intended to expand access to bulk electricity in areas where industrial production, commercial activities and employment depend on a more reliable supply.

“With these projects just inaugurated, the Federal Government has opened a new route for bulk electricity to reach the industrial and commercial corridors where investment, production and employment depend on it. This is significant for the communities and for the wider Kano electricity network as it creates a new supply point and relieves pressure on existing facilities,” he said.

In Kano, the minister commissioned the Walalambe Transmission Substation, equipped with two 40MVA transformers. He also inaugurated 300MVA and 100MVA transformers at the Kumbotso Transmission Substation, alongside additional 100MVA transformers at the Dakata and Dan Agundi transmission substations.

According to the ministry, the projects are expected to strengthen bulk electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential areas by easing constraints at overloaded substations and creating room to serve previously suppressed demand.

Tegbe also highlighted the provision of a dedicated 33kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, which he said had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.

He described the connection as an example of how investments in transmission infrastructure could support industrial development by providing businesses with access to the national electricity grid.

The minister disclosed that he had directed the ministry to prioritise the development of three energy zones to promote a more balanced distribution of electricity infrastructure across the country.

He pledged to work with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to harmonise projects and avoid duplication of interventions.

Tegbe also commended the TCN and the World Bank for supporting power infrastructure development, urging host communities to protect electricity facilities against vandalism.

“Please help us protect this infrastructure and ensure our vigilance is stronger than ever, to fight the challenge of infrastructure vandalism across the country,” he said.

In Katsina State, the minister commissioned two 60MVA transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation, increasing its installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA.

Tegbe said the upgrade represented a 150 per cent increase in the substation’s installed capacity, providing additional capacity equivalent to about 120MW.

He said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Damilola Aina is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience covering energy, business, investment, infrastructure, and property sectors. He specializes in producing well-researched and insightful reports that inform readers and provide clarity on complex topics. Damilola’s work demonstrates practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate and engaging journalism.

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