The investments reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s determination to reposition the power sector as a foundation for national development
By Moses Okorie
The Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasukanmi Tegbe, has commissioned multiple transmission infrastructure projects in Kano and Katsina states, aimed at expanding electricity transmission capacity, easing pressure on existing substations and improving bulk power supply to industrial, commercial and residential communities.
The projects were commissioned during a two-day tour of the states on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, 2026, while the minister also performed a groundbreaking ceremony for a new transmission substation in Mashi, Katsina State, and inspected an ongoing 200MVA gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation project in Katsina.
According to the Ministry of Power, the commissioned projects are designed to strengthen the national transmission network, accommodate rising electricity demand and support economic activities across the two states.
Speaking during the commissioning exercises, Tegbe said the investments reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s determination to reposition the power sector as a foundation for national development.
He stressed that reliable electricity infrastructure was essential for expanding businesses, supporting industrial production, creating employment and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Katsina Gets Additional Transformer Capacity
In Katsina State, the minister commissioned two 60MVA power transformers at the Kankia Transmission Substation, increasing its installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, according to the project details provided by the Ministry.
The expansion is expected to improve the substation’s ability to transmit electricity to distribution networks serving Kankia and neighbouring communities.
Tegbe also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new transmission substation in Mashi, comprising two 60MVA transformers with a combined installed capacity of 120MVA.
Upon completion, the project is expected to provide additional capacity equivalent to approximately 96MW, strengthening electricity supply to Mashi and surrounding communities.
The minister 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.
He explained that the Katsina projects were being implemented by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), with support from the World Bank for relevant projects.
The minister also inspected ongoing work on a new 200MVA GIS substation at the 330kV Katsina Transmission Substation.
The facility is expected to strengthen the state’s transmission infrastructure when completed.
TCN Highlights Network Expansion
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the projects would help address transmission capacity constraints while improving the efficiency and reliability of electricity delivery.
He explained that the works included the installation of additional transformers, expansion of the 33kV busbar, provision of outgoing feeders and modernisation of control and protection systems through digital panels.
According to Abdulaziz, the new Mashi substation would strengthen bulk electricity delivery, improve voltage performance and create additional capacity to accommodate future demand.
He reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to expanding and maintaining the infrastructure required to transmit bulk electricity to distribution companies for onward delivery to consumers.
“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.
He added that the company would continue working with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) and other stakeholders to improve the efficiency of the electricity supply chain.
Kano Gets New Transformers, Transmission Substation
Earlier, in Kano State, Tegbe commissioned several transmission infrastructure projects intended to improve electricity supply across the state’s industrial, commercial and residential areas.
At the Walalambe Transmission Substation, the minister commissioned two 40MVA power transformers.
He also commissioned new 300MVA and 100MVA power transformers at the Kumbotso Transmission Substation, alongside a 100MVA transformer each at the Dakata and Dan Agundi transmission substations.
The projects are expected to increase transmission capacity, ease pressure on overloaded facilities and provide additional capacity to meet previously unmet electricity demand across Kano’s electricity network.
Tegbe said the investments were intended to provide the infrastructure needed to support enterprise, industrial expansion and employment generation.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the new supply infrastructure would benefit host communities and strengthen the wider Kano electricity network by providing additional transmission capacity and relieving pressure on existing facilities.