By Anthony Otaru
The Federal Government has added 640 megawatts (MW) to Nigeria’s transmission capacity following the commissioning of six substations in Kano and Katsina within one week, strengthening the national electricity network and improving the capacity to deliver available power to consumers.
The projects were commissioned in two phases, with four substations inaugurated in Kano on Wednesday and two others commissioned in Katsina on Friday.
The four Kano substations, located at Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan-Agundi, collectively provide an additional 544MW of wheeling capacity to the transmission network.
In Katsina, two new 60MVA, 132/33kV substations were commissioned in Kankia Local Government Area, adding another 96MW. The combined addition from the six facilities brings the new transmission capacity to 640MW.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the projects as part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen critical electricity infrastructure and support economic activity across the country.
Tegbe said the investment reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that sustained economic growth required reliable infrastructure.
“Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that economic ambition requires dependable infrastructure,” the minister said.
He added that investments in the power sector would provide a stronger foundation for businesses, employment and economic prosperity.
“By supporting vital investments such as this, the administration is laying stronger foundations for enterprise, employment, and prosperity across every part of the country,” Tegbe stated.
The Kankia facilities are expected to strengthen the transmission network and improve the distribution of available electricity across Katsina State and neighbouring areas, with potential benefits for commercial activities, businesses and households.
Tegbe also appealed to residents to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure from vandalism and other forms of damage.
“Report suspicious activities promptly to TCN or security agencies. These assets serve your businesses, your neighbours, and your children; safeguarding them protects your community’s future,” he said.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described the project as a landmark investment, saying reliable electricity remained critical to economic growth, industrial development and effective public services.
He commended President Tinubu, the Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria for the investment, while urging continued attention to electricity infrastructure in the state.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, TCN, Kano Electricity Distribution Company and the Katsina State Government attended the commissioning ceremonies.
