The Federal Government has commissioned major transmission infrastructure projects across Kano and Katsina states, adding 640 megawatts (MW) of electricity transmission capacity to the national grid as Nigeria steps up efforts to strengthen power infrastructure and improve electricity delivery to businesses and households.
The projects, executed through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), comprise four substations in Kano State with a combined 544MW of additional wheeling capacity and a major capacity expansion at the Kankia substation in Katsina State, where two new 60-megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformers contribute another 96MW.
The Federal Ministry of Power announced the developments in a statement reported by Nairametrics on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The commissioning ceremonies took place during the week, on October 21 and 23, respectively.
The Kano projects cover Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan-Agundi, with the new infrastructure expected to ease pressure on overloaded substations and improve bulk electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential areas.
According to reports by The PUNCH and BusinessDay published on October 22, the Walalambe substation received two 40MVA transformers, while Kumbotso benefited from upgraded transmission infrastructure. Dakata and Dan-Agundi each received an additional 100MVA transformer at the 132-kilovolt level.
The Walalambe facility also has six outgoing feeders serving the Tokarawa Industrial Area, Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and neighbouring communities.
The Federal Ministry of Power said the projects were designed to create additional capacity for electricity demand that existing infrastructure had been unable to accommodate. The ministry also reported that Lee Group, an industrial company in Kano, had reconnected to the national grid after operating off-grid for more than 30 years.
At Dan-Agundi, the upgrade restores substantial capacity following a fire that damaged the substation, improving its ability to serve Kano’s ancient town, the Emir’s Palace and surrounding communities.
In Katsina State, the government commissioned two 60MVA, 132/33-kilovolt transformers at the Kankia transmission substation on Friday, October 23.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the projects reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its emphasis on dependable infrastructure to support economic development.
Tegbe said improved electricity infrastructure would strengthen the foundations for business expansion, employment generation and economic growth. He also urged residents to protect power facilities against vandalism and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the investment as significant for the state, saying more reliable electricity could support industrial development, commercial activities and improved public services.
However, the additional transmission capacity does not automatically mean that consumers will receive 640MW more electricity. Transmission infrastructure moves electricity from generating plants towards distribution networks, but the amount delivered to homes and businesses also depends on available generation, grid conditions and the capacity of distribution companies.
The projects therefore represent an expansion of Nigeria’s ability to transmit available electricity rather than an increase in the country’s electricity generation capacity.
The commissioning comes amid broader efforts to address constraints in the national transmission network, which have limited the amount of electricity that can be delivered to distribution companies and end users.
Whether households and businesses experience longer hours of electricity supply will depend on how effectively the upgraded substations operate alongside generating plants and downstream distribution infrastructure.
