By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 2 x 40 MVA, 132/33 kV transmission substation at Walalambe in Kano State, aimed at strengthening electricity supply to industrial and commercial corridors, easing pressure on existing facilities and improving network reliability.
Tegbe, who spoke at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, said the project would provide a new supply point for the Kano electricity network, enhance distribution flexibility and support economic activities across beneficiary communities.
According to the minister, areas expected to benefit include Tokarawa Industrial Area, the Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and adjoining communities, where improved electricity infrastructure could support business expansion, industrial production and employment generation.
He explained that the Walalambe substation would also provide alternative supply arrangements for the Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road 33/11 kV injection substations, giving network operators additional options for managing electricity supply and responding to operational constraints.
Tegbe particularly highlighted the provision of a dedicated 33 kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, an established industrial enterprise that has operated off-grid for more than 30 years.
He described the development as an example of how investment in transmission infrastructure could improve access to grid electricity for productive businesses and strengthen their capacity to plan, expand and contribute to economic growth.
The minister said the project reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening electricity supply nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also urged host communities to protect the facility against vandalism, warning that damage to public electricity infrastructure could disrupt commercial activities, reduce productive working hours and affect household welfare.
“The cost of vandalism is felt in interrupted trade, lost working hours and disrupted family life,” Tegbe said, calling on residents to take collective responsibility for safeguarding the installation.
He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KNEDC), Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company Limited, and the World Bank for their respective contributions to the project.
The minister also praised Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for providing an enabling environment for development initiatives and supporting investments aimed at improving infrastructure across the state.
Tegbe formally commissioned the additional 100 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformer, upgraded digital control and protection systems, and associated infrastructure at the Walalambe Transmission Substation.
He described the commissioning as an important milestone for the host community and another step towards developing an electricity network capable of supporting Kano’s expanding industrial and commercial activities.
The Walalambe project was identified as the first of four substations scheduled for commissioning during the minister’s engagements in Kano, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen transmission infrastructure and improve electricity delivery.
