Nigeria has commissioned a series of transmission infrastructure projects in Kano State, adding 544 megawatts (MW) to the regional grid to boost power supplies for industrial and residential consumers.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, joined state officials and leadership from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Thursday to officially launch the upgraded facilities across the Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dan Agudi, and Dakata substations.

Funded in part by the World Bank, the infrastructure overhaul aims to relieve operational pressure on existing networks, reduce power outages, and support commercial growth in northern Nigeria’s primary industrial hub.

“These investments will strengthen electricity supply to businesses and households while supporting economic growth and job creation,” Mr Tegbe said during the commissioning ceremony.

Industrial grid reconnects and capacity surges

Key operational highlights from the newly commissioned substations include:

• Walalambe Substation: The installation of two 40 MVA transformers provides 80 MVA (64 MW) of new capacity, delivering direct grid access to major industrial areas—including a dedicated feeder line for the Lee Group of Companies, which had operated off-grid on diesel generators for over 30 years.
• Kumbotso Substation: Upstream capacity rose by 25 per cent to 750 MVA, while downstream capacity increased to 280 MVA, expected to stabilize power supply for more than 220,000 households and local manufacturers.
• Dakata Substation: Capacity expanded from 150 MVA to 250 MVA following the deployment of a new 100 MVA transformer and digitized control systems.
• Dan-Agundi Substation: Restored transmission capacity from 60 MVA back to 160 MVA following severe fire damage to its original transformer units, stabilizing power to the Kano ancient city and surrounding commercial districts.

TCN Managing Director Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz confirmed that the projects incorporate modernized digital control panels to enhance fault detection and operational monitoring.

Government officials urged local communities to protect the newly installed infrastructure from vandalism, warning that damage to critical power equipment severely disrupts local commerce and public services.