By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasukanmi Tegbe, has commissioned multiple transmission infrastructure projects in Kano and Katsina states, adding new capacity to the national grid and strengthening bulk electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential communities.
The projects, commissioned on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, 2026, include new power transformers and transmission substation facilities designed to relieve pressure on existing infrastructure, improve supply reliability and accommodate growing electricity demand.
According to an official statement issued by the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the commissioned projects also include a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 120MVA transmission substation in Mashi, Katsina State, and an inspection of ongoing works at the 200MVA gas-insulated substation at the 330kV Katsina Substation.
Speaking during the commissioning exercises, Tegbe said the projects reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the power sector as a foundation for national development.
He explained that the new infrastructure would improve the delivery of bulk electricity to communities and commercial centres while creating additional capacity for future expansion.
In Katsina State, the minister commissioned two 60MVA power transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation, increasing its installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, which the statement said was equivalent to 120MW of substation capacity.
He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 120MVA transmission substation comprising two 60MVA transformers in Mashi. Upon completion, the facility is expected to provide an additional 96MW to strengthen electricity supply to Mashi and neighbouring communities.
Tegbe disclosed that issues relating to wayleave and compensation for Project Affected Persons had been resolved, paving the way for construction to commence.
“Today, we break ground in Mashi with a clear purpose, which is to build electricity infrastructure that supports livelihoods and gives this community greater room to grow,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the World Bank’s support for power infrastructure development, noting that the Katsina projects were being implemented by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power and TCN to strengthen the state’s transmission network.
In Kano State, Tegbe commissioned the Walalambe Transmission Substation, equipped with two 40MVA transformers. He also commissioned 300MVA and 100MVA transformers at the Kumbotso Transmission Substation, alongside additional 100MVA transformers at the Dakata and Dan Agundi transmission substations, respectively.
According to the minister, the projects would improve electricity supply to Kano’s industrial, commercial and residential areas by easing pressure on overloaded substations and creating room to serve previously unmet demand.
“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,” Tegbe said.
He described the connection of Lee Group of Companies to the national grid through a dedicated 33kV feeder as a significant step towards supporting industrial development, noting that the company had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.
Tegbe also disclosed that he had directed the Ministry of Power to prioritise the development of three energy zones to promote balanced electricity supply across the country.
He pledged to work with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to harmonise power sector interventions and prevent duplication of projects. He also urged host communities to protect electricity infrastructure 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 appealed.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the commissioned projects would expand transmission capacity, address existing limitations and improve the efficiency of the electricity supply chain.
Abdulaziz explained that the projects also involved modernising control rooms with digital control and protection panels, expanding the 33kV busbar and installing additional outgoing feeders.
He said the Mashi project, upon completion, would strengthen bulk electricity delivery, improve voltage performance and provide capacity for future growth in demand.
“As the Transmission Service Provider, TCN remains committed to developing and maintaining the transmission infrastructure required to convey bulk electricity to distribution companies for onward delivery to consumers,” he said.
Abdulaziz added that TCN would continue collaborating with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) and other stakeholders to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply.
He further stated that the company was pursuing transmission network expansion, rehabilitation of existing facilities and modernisation of critical equipment across the six geopolitical zones in line with the Federal Government’s power sector development objectives.
The TCN chief executive also called on host communities to protect national assets, respect transmission right-of-way corridors and report suspicious activities that could threaten electricity infrastructure.
