LAGOS, Nigeria — Electricity consumers across Nigeria are set to benefit from a stronger grid as the Federal Ministry of Power secured the release of transmission equipment stranded at the nation’s ports for up to 20 years.

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‎Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe announced the development at a media address in Lagos. He said the first 44 containers were released from the ENL Terminal and another 54 from the APMT and Sun & Moon Terminals, bringing the total to 98 of over 300 containers held.

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‎The equipment includes high-capacity transformers, cables and switchgear procured to expand the transmission network and relieve overloaded substations. Tegbe said its detention stalled projects, kept substations under strain, exposed assets to deterioration and accumulated charges.

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‎The release follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the cargoes be cleared immediately.

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‎Tegbe credited the President for the breakthrough and thanked the Ministers of Finance and of Marine and Blue Economy, the Comptroller-General of Customs, and officials of the Ministry of Power and its agencies.

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‎Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi said Customs has begun steps to clear the containers, working with the Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Ports Authority and terminal operators. He pledged to work with the Minister until all the containers are cleared.

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‎Upon inspection, most of the equipment was found to be useful and viable. When evacuated, it will be verified, tested and refurbished where necessary, then deployed to project sites to complete stalled installations, relieve overloaded substations and strengthen constrained transmission corridors.

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‎Tegbe said the projects are expected to deliver fewer interruptions, better voltage performance and a stronger network to carry electricity to homes, businesses and essential services.