Group reconnects to national grid after 30 years as FG, Kano State boost electricity infrastructure

By Onu Okorie

Kano’s industrial sector and businesses are set to benefit from improved electricity supply following the commissioning of four transmission substations that have added 544MW of wheeling capacity to the state and the national grid.
The projects, executed by the Federal Ministry of Power through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in partnership with the Kano State Government, cover Walalambe, Kumbotso, Dakata and Dan-Agundi, with a focus on strengthening electricity transmission, easing pressure on existing infrastructure and meeting growing demand across the state.
A major highlight of the intervention is the reconnection of Lee Group, a major industrial enterprise, to the national grid after more than 30 years of operating off-grid. The development is expected to improve the company’s access to grid electricity and strengthen the prospects of industrial production in Kano.
At Walalambe, a new 80MW-capacity substation equipped with two 40MVA transformers has been commissioned alongside six outgoing feeders designed to supply the Tokarawa Industrial Area, Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and neighbouring communities.
The Kumbotso substation has also received additional transmission infrastructure, including 300MVA at the 330kV level and 100MVA transformers, while Dakata and Dan-Agundi have each gained an additional 100MVA transformer at the 132kV level.
Beyond expanding transmission capacity, the projects are expected to ease congestion at overloaded substations and provide the infrastructure needed to accommodate electricity demand that existing facilities have struggled to serve.
The rehabilitation of Dan-Agundi is particularly significant for Kano’s historic urban centre. The substation, which suffered fire damage, has regained substantial capacity to serve the ancient city, the Emir’s Palace and surrounding communities.
The improved transmission infrastructure is expected to support manufacturing, commercial activities and small businesses, while creating opportunities for employment and improving electricity access for households.
For Kano, one of northern Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial centres, a more reliable bulk electricity supply could help businesses reduce their dependence on alternative power sources and improve their operational efficiency. The extent of these benefits, however, will depend on the reliability of electricity supply across the distribution network and the ability of operators to deliver the additional capacity to end users.
The commissioning also reflects the Federal Government’s broader drive to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The administration has identified improvements in the power sector as an important foundation for economic growth, with transmission investments expected to help bridge the gap between electricity generation and the power ultimately delivered to homes, industries and commercial establishments.
With the four substations now commissioned, the focus will be on translating the expanded transmission capacity into more dependable electricity supply, stronger industrial activity and improved economic opportunities for residents of Kano State.