Power Minister Commissions Walalambe Transformer to Boost Kano Electricity Supply

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 100-megavolt-ampere (MVA) transmission transformer at Walalambe in Kano State to strengthen electricity supply, ease pressure on existing facilities and support industrial and commercial activities.

Tegbe said the new 2 × 40 MVA, 132/33 kilovolt (kV) transmission substation would provide an additional supply point for the Kano electricity network and improve the distribution of available power to businesses and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the commissioning on October 21, the minister said the project would benefit Tokarawa Industrial Area, the Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and adjoining communities.

“Kano’s capacity for enterprise has never been in doubt. The task before us is to provide infrastructure that allows that enterprise to flourish,” he said.

The minister said the facility would also provide alternative supply arrangements for the Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road 33/11 kV injection substations, giving network operators more options to manage supply and respond to operational constraints.

He said the investment was designed to support productive activities, help businesses expand and create conditions for employment.

Tegbe also highlighted a dedicated 33 kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, an industrial firm that had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.

“Providing a route to grid supply for an established industrial enterprise demonstrates the economic purpose of transmission investment,” he said.

“Our electricity system must be able to serve productive businesses and give them the confidence to plan for the future.”

The minister said the project reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and improving supply to areas with significant commercial and industrial activities.

He, however, urged residents of host communities to protect the facility against vandalism, warning that damage to electricity infrastructure could disrupt businesses, reduce working hours and affect household activities.

“The cost of vandalism is felt in interrupted trade, lost working hours and disrupted family life. Public infrastructure serves all of us, and its protection requires the vigilance of all of us,” Tegbe said.

He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company Limited, and the World Bank for their roles in delivering the project.

The minister also praised Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting development initiatives and maintaining a partnership with the Federal Government.

Tegbe formally commissioned the transformer, upgraded digital control and protection systems, and associated infrastructure at the transmission station on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

The project is expected to strengthen bulk electricity transmission into parts of Kano’s growing urban and industrial corridors, although the actual improvement in supply to consumers will depend on available generation, transmission performance and the capacity of distribution networks to deliver electricity to end users.