By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, has charged the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to ensure that the expanded capacity of the Kankia Transmission Substation translates into improved electricity supply and better service delivery to consumers.
Tegbe gave the charge on Friday, October 23, 2026, during the commissioning of two 60 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformers at the substation in Kankia, Katsina State, stressing the need for effective coordination among the power agencies to maximise the benefits of the investment.
He urged the agencies to prioritise consumers’ needs, maintain the installed equipment diligently and ensure that the additional transformation capacity delivers tangible improvements in electricity supply to communities served by the facility.
The minister explained that the two newly commissioned transformers, installed to replace an existing 30 MVA unit, had increased the substation’s installed capacity from 60 MVA to 150 MVA, equivalent to approximately 120 megawatts, representing a 150 per cent increase.
According to him, the expansion would provide additional capacity to accommodate previously suppressed electricity demand and strengthen bulk power supply to KEDCO for onward distribution to consumers.
Tegbe said the project was designed to support economic activities across Kankia and neighbouring communities, particularly businesses, agricultural processing and other productive ventures that depend on reliable electricity infrastructure.
He described the development as a practical expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, commending the President’s commitment to repositioning the power sector and strengthening critical infrastructure to support national development.
The minister maintained that investments in the electricity sector must go beyond the installation of equipment to deliver meaningful benefits to Nigerians through improved services, increased productivity and expanded economic opportunities.
Tegbe said the project was implemented through the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, with China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute serving as the contractor.
He commended the project partners, engineers, technicians and other personnel for their contributions to the successful installation of the transformers.
He also acknowledged the support of Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, alongside traditional institutions and host communities, for their cooperation in facilitating the project.
The minister emphasised that sustained collaboration among transmission and distribution stakeholders would be essential to ensuring that the increased capacity at Kankia translates into more effective electricity delivery.
He reiterated the importance of equipment maintenance and operational coordination in sustaining the benefits of the infrastructure and meeting the electricity needs of consumers.
