FG adds 640MW transmission capacity to national grid with six new substations

The Federal Government has added 640 megawatts (MW) of electricity transmission capacity to Nigeria’s national grid following the commissioning of six new transmission substations in Kano and Katsina states.

The projects, executed through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), are expected to strengthen the country’s electricity transmission network and improve the delivery of available power to homes, businesses and industries. 

Kano Accounts for 544MW

Four transmission substations were commissioned in Kano State on Wednesday, adding a combined 544MW of transmission capacity.

The facilities are located at Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan-Agundi.

The projects are expected to strengthen electricity delivery to industrial, commercial and residential areas, while helping to ease pressure on parts of the existing transmission network.

The improvements are also intended to support businesses and industries that require a more dependable electricity supply to sustain their operations.

Katsina Gains Additional 96MW

In Katsina State, the Federal Government commissioned two new 60-megavolt-ampere (MVA), 132/33-kilovolt transmission substations in Kankia Local Government Area on Friday.

The facilities contribute another 96MW of transmission capacity, bringing the total capacity added through the six substations to 640MW.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the investments reflected the administration’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and supporting economic development.

He said improved power infrastructure could provide a stronger foundation for business expansion, employment generation and better household welfare.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also welcomed the project, describing reliable electricity as important to industrial development, economic growth and improved public services.

Will Nigerians Enjoy More Electricity?

Although the additional transmission capacity represents an infrastructure improvement, it does not mean that Nigeria has generated an extra 640MW of electricity.

Transmission capacity is different from electricity generation. Generation refers to the electricity produced by power plants, while transmission infrastructure transports that electricity across the network before distribution companies deliver it to consumers.

Consequently, the actual improvement in electricity supply will depend on the amount of power generated, the ability of the transmission network to carry it and the capacity of distribution companies to deliver it to homes and businesses. 

The commissioning of the six substations is therefore a step towards addressing transmission bottlenecks, but its impact on consumers will ultimately be measured by whether electricity supply becomes more reliable.

FG Seeks Stronger Electricity Infrastructure

The Federal Government has continued to pursue investments and reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

The latest projects in Kano and Katsina form part of efforts to strengthen transmission infrastructure, expand the network’s ability to carry available power and support economic activities.

For households and businesses that rely heavily on generators because of unreliable public electricity, the key question remains whether these infrastructure investments will translate into longer hours of supply and fewer disruptions.

While the additional 640MW of transmission capacity is a positive infrastructure development, sustained improvements will require progress across the entire electricity system, from generation to transmission and final distribution.