Power Supply: Federal Government Unveils New Substations, Transformers in Kano, Katsina
The Federal Government has commissioned new transmission substations and power transformers in Kano and Katsina states as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity network and improve power supply to homes, businesses and industries.
The Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasukanmi Tegbe, inaugurated the projects during a two-day visit to the states on October 22 and 23, 2026.
The projects are expected to ease congestion at existing substations, improve bulk electricity transmission and provide additional capacity to meet rising demand.
The minister said the commissioned projects had added 240MW at the 330kV level and 376MW at the 132kV level to the national transmission network.
In Kano State, Tegbe commissioned the Walalambe Transmission Substation, which comprises two 40MVA transformers.
He also commissioned 300MVA and 100MVA power transformers at the Kumbotso Transmission Substation, alongside additional 100MVA transformers at the Dakata and Dan Agundi substations.
Speaking during the commissioning, the minister said the projects would improve bulk electricity delivery to Kano’s industrial, commercial and residential areas by reducing pressure on existing facilities.
He explained that the new infrastructure would provide additional supply points, helping to address electricity constraints affecting businesses and other consumers.
“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,” he said.
Tegbe also announced that Lee Group of Companies had been connected to the national grid through a dedicated 33kV feeder after operating off-grid for more than 30 years.
He described the development as an important step towards providing industries with access to reliable electricity and supporting economic growth.
The minister disclosed that the Ministry of Power would prioritise the development of three energy zones to promote a more balanced electricity supply across the country.
He also pledged to collaborate with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to coordinate projects and avoid unnecessary duplication.
In Katsina State, Tegbe commissioned two 60MVA transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation, increasing its installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA.
He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new transmission substation at Mashi, which will comprise two 60MVA transformers, bringing its total capacity to 120MVA.
According to the minister, the Mashi project is expected to provide an additional 96MW upon completion, strengthening electricity supply to the town and surrounding communities.
He said outstanding issues concerning wayleave and compensation for Project Affected Persons had been resolved, paving the way for construction to begin.
“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 also inspected ongoing work at the 200MVA gas-insulated switchgear substation at the 330kV Katsina Substation.
Tegbe said the Katsina projects were being implemented by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, with support from the World Bank.
He described the projects as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s efforts to strengthen the power sector as a driver of national development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the projects would address transmission capacity limitations and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
He explained that the works included the installation of new transformers, expansion of the 33kV busbar, additional outgoing feeders and the modernisation of control and protection systems.
Abdulaziz said the Mashi substation would strengthen bulk power delivery, improve voltage performance and provide room for future growth in electricity demand.
He reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to expanding and maintaining the infrastructure required to transmit bulk electricity to distribution companies for delivery to consumers.
“We will continue to work with NISO, KEDCO and other stakeholders to ensure a more reliable and efficient electricity supply chain,” he said.
The TCN chief added that the company was implementing similar projects across the six geopolitical zones to expand transmission capacity, rehabilitate existing facilities and modernise critical equipment.
He said the efforts were aimed at strengthening the national grid and supporting the Federal Government’s power sector development objectives.
Both Tegbe and Abdulaziz urged host communities to protect the newly commissioned facilities against vandalism and respect transmission right-of-way corridors.
The minister called on residents to remain vigilant and help safeguard the infrastructure, warning that vandalism could undermine efforts to improve electricity supply across the country.
