KANO — The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated four power projects in Kano to boost electricity supply to the state.

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‎The projects include a 2x40MVA, 132/33kV transmission substation in Walalambe, 1x300MVA and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at the Kumbotso substation, 1x100MVA, 132/33kV transformer in Dakata substation and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV transformer at Dan Agundi substation.

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‎The projects were executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and are expected to add 544 megawatts of wheeling capacity to Kano and the national grid.

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‎They will also strengthen bulk supply to industrial, commercial and residential areas by relieving overloaded substations and meeting suppressed demand.

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‎Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the projects demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his resolve to make the power sector a foundation for national development.

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‎He said the task of the ministry is to provide infrastructure that allows enterprise to flourish.

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‎”With these projects just inaugurated, the Federal Government has opened a new route for bulk electricity to reach the industrial and commercial corridors where investment, production and employers depend on it,” Tegbe said.

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‎”This is significant for the communities and for the wider Kano electricity network as it would create a new supply point, relieves pressure on existing facilities.”

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‎He said the projects would give the distribution network more flexibility to serve consumers.

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‎Tegbe highlighted the provision of a dedicated 33kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, which had operated off-grid for more than 30 years. Connecting the company to the grid shows the importance of transmission infrastructure for industrial growth, he said.

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

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‎He said the ministry would prioritize development of three energy zones to ensure balanced supply across the country and would work with Kano State Government and stakeholders to harmonize projects and avoid duplication.

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‎He commended TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company Ltd and the World Bank.

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‎He appealed to host communities to protect the facilities from vandals.

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‎”Please help us protect these infrastructure and make sure our vigilance is stronger than ever before as we are faced with a lot of vandalism across the country,” he said.

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‎Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf said Kano requires 1,000 megawatts to meet its industrial and commercial demand.

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‎The governor, represented by Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr Gaddafi Shehu-Sani, said the state currently receives about 300MW or less, stressing the need for improved supply to support growth.

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‎He said reliable power would strengthen Kano as a commercial centre and help businesses thrive. He commended the Federal Government, the minister and TCN.

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‎TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz said the projects reflect TCN’s commitment to the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation Programme, NEGMERP.

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‎He said TCN would continue to expand, rehabilitate and modernize transmission infrastructure across the six zones to support federal power sector objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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‎He thanked host communities for their cooperation and urged them to protect the assets.

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‎Abdulaziz appealed for continued partnership to guard against vandalism, respect Right-of-Way corridors and report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure.

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‎Alhaji Mahe Bashir, Walin Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the projects would add value and sustain Kano’s economy.