The Federal Government has committed over N500 billion to finalize more than 100 stalled projects by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) across the nation, announced by the Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu during his recent visit to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The visit aimed to address challenges affecting the power sector’s efficiency. Adelabu acknowledged the recent extended blackouts, especially in the northern regions, apologizing to the affected communities and emphasizing the urgency of completing the TCN projects, which are currently between 80% and 95% finished.
He noted that the Ministry has formally requested a special allocation in the 2025 budget to expedite these projects, highlighting that their completion would significantly bolster the country’s power supply.
During discussions with KEDCO, Adelabu stressed the need to overhaul Nigeria’s transmission framework, which heavily depends on channels from Shiroro and Jos. This setup leaves the northern areas vulnerable to power disruptions. He called for alternative power sources to reduce grid reliance and prevent future outages, encouraging private investors to participate in Nigeria’s power sector for more robust service.
Adelabu also underscored the necessity for decentralizing electricity generation and encouraged Kano State to join other states now authorized to produce power. To counter grid instability, he proposed independent power sources within city areas as additional support.
The Minister revealed ongoing discussions with investors interested in Kano’s power market and assured stakeholders of the government’s resolve to enhance electricity supply for economic growth and industry revival. He also emphasized improving metering, with only 33% of KEDCO’s customers currently metered, urging KEDCO and other distribution companies to intensify metering efforts.
Clarifying the prolonged blackout, Adelabu dispelled speculations that President Bola Tinubu was neglecting the North, reiterating that the administration is committed to equitable power distribution across all regions. He emphasized the need for a long-term solution to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
At a meeting with Kano’s leadership, the Minister urged the state government to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Power on generation and distribution initiatives, noting that Kano’s involvement could yield mutual benefits in stabilizing the region’s power supply.
In response, Kano State Chief of Staff Shehu Wada Sagagi, representing the Governor, expressed the state’s willingness to explore investments in the power sector and consider consumer subsidies in future budgets to foster energy accessibility.
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