By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has commissioned six transmission substations in Kano and Katsina states, adding 640 megawatts (MW) of electricity transmission capacity to the national grid in a move aimed at improving power supply and strengthening electricity distribution.
The projects, executed through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), comprise four substations in Kano State with a combined transmission capacity of 544MW and two facilities in Katsina State contributing an additional 96MW.
The commissioning of the four substations at Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan-Agundi in Kano took place on Wednesday, while the two new substations in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State were commissioned on Friday.
The projects represent an expansion of the transmission network’s capacity to evacuate and wheel available electricity to distribution networks serving households, businesses and industries.
However, the additional transmission capacity does not automatically translate into an equivalent increase in electricity generation, as the amount of power delivered to consumers also depends on available generation, network constraints and distribution infrastructure.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Katsina substations, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, attributed the projects to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Tegbe said reliable electricity infrastructure was essential to achieving the administration’s economic development objectives, adding that investments in transmission would support businesses, employment and economic prosperity.
“Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes that economic ambition requires dependable infrastructure,” the minister said.
“By supporting vital investments such as this, the administration is laying stronger foundations for enterprise, employment, and prosperity across every part of the country,” he added.
The minister explained that the new facilities would strengthen the transmission network’s ability to distribute available electricity across Katsina State and neighbouring areas.
According to him, improved electricity transmission capacity could support commercial activities, enhance household welfare and provide a stronger foundation for economic development.
Tegbe also called on residents of communities hosting the substations to protect the facilities against vandalism and other activities that could disrupt electricity transmission.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the TCN or relevant security agencies, stressing that the infrastructure was designed to serve communities, businesses and future generations.
“These assets serve your businesses, your neighbours, and your children; safeguarding them protects your community’s future,” the minister said.
The appeal comes amid continuing concerns over the protection of critical electricity infrastructure, including transmission facilities and associated equipment whose damage can disrupt power delivery and increase repair costs.
Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, described the commissioning of the two substations in Kankia as a significant investment in the state’s electricity infrastructure.
Radda said a more stable and reliable electricity supply would support economic growth, industrial development and improved delivery of public services.
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He expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving the project and commended the Federal Ministry of Power and the TCN for their roles in delivering the facilities.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) and members of the Katsina State Executive Council.
The commissioning of the six substations adds to efforts to address constraints within Nigeria’s electricity transmission network, which plays a critical role in moving electricity from generation plants to distribution companies.
Transmission limitations can prevent available electricity from reaching consumers, making investments in substations, transformers and associated network infrastructure important to improving supply.
The 640MW capacity expansion across Kano and Katsina is expected to strengthen the network serving the two states and surrounding areas. The actual benefits to consumers, however, will depend on the availability of electricity from generation companies and the capacity of downstream distribution networks to deliver power to end users.
The projects also place renewed emphasis on the need for coordinated investment across the generation, transmission and distribution segments of Nigeria’s electricity industry to translate infrastructure expansion into more reliable electricity for homes and businesses.
