FG targets 24-hour power supply to boost industry, economy — Minister

THE Federal Government says it is targeting 24-hour electricity supply in three energy zones across the country to boost industrial activities and economic growth.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi-Tegbe, spoke, on Thursday, in Kano, at the inauguration of the Walambe 2x40MVA, 132/33kV Transmission Substation.

This is one of the four electricity projects inaugurated in the state.

The minister said the three energy zones cover the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Lagos-Ogun-Benin and Enugu-Port Harcourt axes.

“The government is conducting technical audits across the zones to identify infrastructure gaps and determine interventions required to improve electricity supply.

“To ensure that we do not spend money and resources on wrong things, we are currently conducting technical audits across these three zones,” he said.

Olasunkanmi-Tegbe explained that the audits would help identify causes of electricity supply challenges and ensure that resources were directed towards necessary interventions.

According to him, Kano is a strategic hub in the Northern Energy Zone because of its industrial and commercial importance.

“The Walalambe substation will provide an additional supply point, ease pressure on existing facilities and improve flexibility of the transmission network.

“The facility will provide alternative supply arrangements for Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the provision of a dedicated 33kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, which had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.

He said connecting the company to the national grid demonstrated the importance of transmission infrastructure in supporting industrial development.

“Our electricity system must be able to serve productive businesses and give them the confidence to plan for the future.

“Therefore, we urge the host communities to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism.

“Attacks on power facilities disrupt businesses, reduce productive hours and affect livelihoods,” Olasunkanmi-Tegbe stated.

He said President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to prioritise the development of three energy zones to promote balanced electricity supply across the country.

The minister pledged to work with the Kano State Government and relevant power sector stakeholders to harmonise interventions and avoid duplication of projects.

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

Olasunkanmi-Tegbe described the project’s completion as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure in Kano.

Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir-Yusuf, said: “Kano requires 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to meet its growing industrial and commercial demand.”

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

He stressed the reliable electricity supply would strengthen Kano’s position as a major commercial centre and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The governor commended the Federal Government, the minister of power, as well as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for their efforts to improve electricity infrastructure in the state.

He said the Kano State government had also undertaken interventions in the energy sector, which include the rehabilitation of a 10MW hydropower plant, completion of a 6MW Chalawa hydropower plant and distribution of transformers to various communities.

Kabir-Yusuf explained that the state had diversified its energy sources through renewable energy projects, including the 10MW Haske solar power plant, which he said, “is operational.”

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He added that the state government had paid N2 billion in compensation and allocated land to 750 people affected to resolve a longstanding dispute over right-of-way issues along a transmission corridor.

The governor expressed optimism that ongoing electricity infrastructure projects linking Kaduna and Kano would further improve supply to the state when completed.

Kabir-Yusuf said increased electricity supply would support industrialisation, stimulate economic activities and improve residents’ quality of life.

On his part, Alhaji Mahe Bashir, Walin Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the development would add value and sustain the economy of Kano.

NAN reports that other transmission substations inaugurated include 2x40MVA, 132/33kV at Walambe, 1x300MVA, 330/132kV and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at Kumbotso, 1x100MVA, 132/33kV at Dakata, and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformer at Dan’Agundi.