By Constance Athekame, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
In an economy, where electricity remains essential to industrial production, commercial activities and household welfare, the investments highlight the importance of transmission infrastructure in the country’s development.
For manufacturers, traders and entrepreneurs, improved electricity transmission could support production planning, reduce dependence on alternative power sources and strengthen business operations.
Across Kano, one of Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial centres, electricity demand continues to place pressure on infrastructure serving factories, businesses and residential communities.
For businesses struggling with unreliable electricity and communities yearning for improved power supply, the inauguration of new transmission projects in Kano and Katsina offers renewed hope.
The projects, inaugurated by the Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, are expected to strengthen bulk electricity supply, ease pressure on existing facilities and create room for growing demand.
In Kano, Tegbe inaugurated transmission projects at Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan Agundi substations, adding capacity to the network serving industrial, commercial and residential areas.
The projects included 2x 40 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA), 132/33 KiloVolt (KV) transformers at Walalambe, 330/132 KV and 100MVA, 132/33KV transformers at Kumbotso, and additional 1x100MVA, 132/33KV transformers at Dakata and Dan Agundi, respectively.
According to the minister, the new facilities would relieve pressure on overloaded substations, establish additional supply points and help accommodate previously suppressed electricity demand.
A notable development is the provision of a dedicated 33 Kilo Volt (KV) feeder to Lee Group of Companies, which had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.
The connection, Tegbe said, demonstrated how investments in transmission infrastructure could support industrial development and create opportunities for production and employment.
For industries that depend on steady electricity to sustain operations, access to grid power could improve energy options, although the benefits would also depend on supply reliability and distribution performance.
Beyond Kano, Katsina State is also expected to benefit from investments aimed at strengthening transmission capacity and improving electricity delivery to communities.
The projects, executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), included 2x 60 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformers at the Kankia substation and the groundbreaking ceremony for the 132/33 kV Mashi substation.
At Kankia transmission substation, the minister inaugurated two 60MVA transformers, increasing installed capacity from 60MVA to 150MVA, equivalent to 120 Megawatts (MW) of electricity.
“The development is expected to improve the substations ability to handle electricity demand and strengthen bulk supply to its service areas, ‘’he said..
At Mashi, Tegbe performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 120MVA transmission substation comprising two 60MVA transformers.
When completed, the project is expected to provide an additional 96MW of capacity, strengthen supply to Mashi and neighbouring communities, and create room for future demand.
The minister said issues concerning right-of-way and compensation for Project Affected Persons had been resolved, paving the way for construction.
He described the project as an investment in local livelihoods and community development, noting that reliable electricity infrastructure could create greater opportunities for growth.
The minister also inspected ongoing work at the new 200MVA gas-insulated substation at the 330kV Katsina Substation, another project expected to strengthen the transmission network.
The projects, delivered by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Power and the TCN, also received funding support from the World Bank, according to Tegbe.
“This makes collaboration among TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, Kano Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders essential to translating new capacity into improved consumer experience, ‘’ he said.
Tegbe said the ministry was prioritising the development of three energy zones to promote balanced electricity supply nationwide, while pledging to harmonise interventions with the Kano State Government.
Governors of Katsina and Kano applauded the Federal Government, Ministry of Power and TCN for bringing the projects to their states.
In his remarks, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina thanked Tinubu for approving three transmission substation projects for the state to improve electricity transmission and supply.
Radda said that the projects would boost electricity transmission and supply to the state.
“On behalf of Katsina State, myself, the government and people we appreciate and thank Mr president for bringing these projects to us,” he said.
Radda added that the Federal Government had also supported other infrastructure projects aimed at promoting economic development in the state.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to improve electricity access and stimulate economic activities.
Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir-Yusuf, said Kano required 1,000 megawatts of electricity to meet its growing industrial and commercial demand.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Gaddafi Shehu-Sani, said the state currently receives about 300MW or less, underscoring the need for improved electricity supply to support industrial growth and economic activities.
According to him, reliable electricity supply will strengthen Kano’s position as a major commercial centre and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The governor commended the Federal Government, the minister of power as well as TCN for their efforts to improve electricity infrastructure in the state.
He added that the state government had paid N2 billion in compensation and allocated land to 750 people affected to resolve a longstanding dispute over right-of-way issues along a transmission corridor.
The governor expressed optimism that ongoing electricity infrastructure projects linking Kaduna and Kano would further improve supply to the state when completed.
Kabir-Yusuf said increased electricity supply would support industrialisation, stimulate economic activities and improve residents’ quality of life.
In Katsina, The Managing Director of TCN, Mr Sule Abdulaziz, said the investments would address capacity limitations and improve operational efficiency across the transmission network.
He said the works done on the substations included modernising the control room with digital control and protection panels, expanding the 33kV busbar and installing additional outgoing feeders.
Abdulaziz said the Mashi project would improve voltage performance and strengthen bulk power delivery while providing room for future electricity demand.
However, the inauguration of transmission facilities does not automatically guarantee uninterrupted electricity for consumers, as effective delivery also depends on distribution infrastructure, generation availability and coordination across the power sector.
He urged host communities to protect the infrastructure against vandalism, respect transmission right-of-way corridors and report suspicious activities.
Abdulaziz said that across the six geopolitical zones, TCN would continue to pursue the expansion of transmission infrastructure, the rehabilitation of existing facilities and the modernisation of critical equipment.
”These efforts are directed at strengthening the national transmission network and supporting the Federal Government’s power sector development objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,”he said.
Abdulaziz, however, appealed to the communities for continued partnership in protecting vital national asset against vandalism and other threats.
He also urged them to respect transmission Right-of-Way corridors and report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure.
The managing director also urged the communities to report suspicious activities around power installations adding that this was an important step towards safeguarding power investments and ensuring their continued service to the public.
On his part, Alhaji Mahe Bashir ,Walin Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the development would add value and sustain the economy of Kano.
Alhaji Musa a community leader in Kankia, Katsina said that the project would boost economic activities in the area and commended the Federal Government for the intervention.
Experts said that for communities and businesses in Kano and Katsina, the ultimate measure would be improved transmission capacity that will translate into more dependable electricity, stronger businesses and better livelihoods. (NANFeatures)
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