Nigeria Targets Improved Power Supply, Industrial Growth With Walalambe Transformer Project in Kano

Nigeria Targets Improved Power Supply, Industrial Growth With Walalambe Transformer Project in Kano

…Tegbe says facility will ease pressure on existing infrastructure, support businesses and attract investment

By Raphael Ekpang

Kano (Core Reporters) — The Federal Government has commissioned a 2 x 40 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformer at the Walalambe Transmission Station in Kano State to improve electricity supply, support industrial growth and strengthen commercial activities in the state.

Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, who performed the commissioning on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, said the project would provide an additional electricity supply point, ease pressure on existing facilities and enhance the flexibility of the distribution network.

Tegbe described the facility as a significant investment in Kano’s electricity infrastructure, stressing that reliable power supply was essential to sustaining businesses, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities.

He said the project would improve electricity supply to the Tokarawa Industrial Area, the Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and adjoining communities.

According to the minister, the investment would strengthen the electricity infrastructure serving businesses along the identified corridors, enabling them to expand production, improve operations and create more jobs.

He explained that the Walalambe facility would also provide alternative supply arrangements for the Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road 33/11 kV injection substations.

This, he said, would give network operators greater flexibility in managing electricity supply and responding to operational challenges, while improving the reliability of power delivery to consumers in the affected areas.

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

He described the development as an example of the economic benefits of investing in transmission infrastructure, noting that a stronger electricity network was necessary to support productive enterprises and give businesses the confidence to plan for future expansion.

The minister said the commissioning reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to improving electricity infrastructure nationwide under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that the project marked another step towards developing an electricity network capable of meeting Kano’s growing industrial and commercial needs.

Tegbe, however, urged host communities to protect the facility against vandalism, warning that attacks on public electricity infrastructure could disrupt businesses, result in lost working hours and negatively affect household livelihoods.

“The cost of vandalism is felt in interrupted trade, lost working hours and disrupted family life,” he said, calling on residents to take collective responsibility for safeguarding the installation.

He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDEC) Walalambe Transmission Station  Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company Limited, and the World Bank for their contributions to the project.

The minister also praised the Kano State Government, particularly Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for supporting development initiatives and fostering partnerships that facilitate infrastructure investment.

He said the commissioning marked the delivery of a long-awaited electricity infrastructure project for Walalambe and represented another milestone in efforts to strengthen power supply in Kano State.

The event was attended by representatives of the Federal and Kano State governments, officials of TCN and NISO, representatives of KNEDC, project contractors, engineers, business leaders and community representatives.

Tegbe formally commissioned the transformer installation, upgraded digital control and protection systems, and associated infrastructure at the Walalambe Transmission Substation on behalf of President Tinubu.

 report.