The Federal Government is set to invest over N500 billion to complete more than 100 abandoned projects by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) nationwide.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu announced this initiative on Thursday during his visit to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). His trip aimed to engage with stakeholders to address challenges hindering optimal performance in the power sector.
Adelabu expressed his regret regarding the prolonged blackouts experienced by Nigerians, particularly in the northern regions, over the past 15 days. “What happened was not deliberate but unfortunate; it is not a situation we want to repeat,” he said, emphasizing the need for a permanent solution.
At the KEDCO meeting, he revealed that the abandoned TCN projects were nearing completion, with many at 80 to 95 percent finished. The ministry has submitted a special proposal to President Bola Tinubu, requesting a dedicated fund in the 2025 budget for these projects.
“The neglect of the TCN projects is disheartening. Once completed, these projects will significantly improve power supply across the country,” Adelabu stated.
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Addressing the recent power outages, he highlighted the urgent need to revamp the current transmission framework, which heavily relies on the Shiroro and Jos channels. “This radial system leaves the northern region vulnerable to electricity disruptions whenever issues arise with these lines,” he noted.
Adelabu underscored the importance of attracting investors to enhance power supply and suggested exploring alternative power sources to support the national grid. He called for independent power solutions within urban areas to mitigate future grid failures. “Provision of electricity should not be the sole responsibility of the Federal Government,” he asserted.
To combat the trend of grid failures and the resultant power outages, he urged state governments and distribution companies to implement alternative electricity solutions and ensure reliable service. “State governments should ensure effective implementation of providing alternative electricity sources, and discos should also ensure reliable distribution services,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that interested investors were keen to invest in the Kano power sector and mentioned plans to discuss these alternative solutions with Governor Abba Yusuf. He also expressed concern over the metering process, revealing that only 33 percent of consumers currently have meters. He urged KEDCO and other distribution companies to ramp up their efforts in providing meters to improve service delivery.
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