Tinubu’s Power Reforms: Tegbe Commissions Walalambe Substation to Boost Kano Industries
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a new 2 × 40 MVA, 132/33 kV transmission substation at Walalambe, Kano State, in a move expected to strengthen electricity supply, ease pressure on existing facilities and support industrial and commercial activities across key parts of the state.
Tegbe made the announcement in his speech at the official commissioning of the facility on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, describing the project as a significant investment in Kano’s electricity infrastructure and a boost to the state’s economic potential under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Kano’s capacity for enterprise has never been in doubt. The task before us is to provide infrastructure that allows that enterprise to flourish,” the minister said, noting that the project would open a new route for bulk electricity to reach industrial and commercial corridors where investment, production and employment depend on reliable power.
The minister said the substation would provide a new supply point, relieve pressure on existing facilities and give the distribution network greater flexibility in serving consumers. Areas expected to benefit include Tokarawa Industrial Area, the Eastern Bypass, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and adjoining communities.
He explained that Walalambe would also provide alternative supply arrangements for the Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road 33/11 kV injection substations, giving network operators more options to manage supply and respond to operational challenges.
A major feature of the project is a dedicated 33 kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, an established industrial enterprise that has operated off-grid for more than 30 years. According to Tegbe, connecting the company to the national grid demonstrates the economic value of investing in transmission infrastructure that supports productive businesses.
“Our electricity system must be able to serve productive businesses and give them the confidence to plan for the future,” he said.
The minister commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KNEDC), Atlantic Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. and the World Bank for their contributions to the project. He also appealed to host communities to protect the facility against vandalism, warning that damage to public infrastructure could disrupt businesses, working hours and family life.
“To our host communities, I make a direct appeal: help us keep this facility safe,” Tegbe said. “Public infrastructure serves all of us, and its protection requires the vigilance of all of us.”
He further commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as his commitment to development and constructive partnership, saying collaboration between federal and state authorities was essential to delivering transformative infrastructure.
“For Walalambe, today formally recognises the delivery of a long-awaited investment. For Kano, it is another step towards an electricity network better suited to the scale of its enterprise,” the minister said, adding, “We have brought the dividends of Renewed Hope to Kano State.”
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. The speech described the Walalambe facility as the first of four substations scheduled for commissioning that day.
