TCN’s bold move to power up Northern Nigeria’s aluminium and other industrial sectors

Nigeria, one of the world's leading oil producers and home to over 200 million people, continues to grapple with a range of challenges, from insufficient job creation and limited economic opportunities to widespread mismanagement. Among these pressing issues, inadequate electricity supply stands out as a major concern, particularly in key industrial regions where stable power is essential for growth and development.

In response to this, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has embarked on the reconductoring of the ageing Kumbotso–Dakata 132kV double-circuit transmission line in Kano, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing power supply to the Dakata Industrial Zone and the upcoming Walalambe Transmission Substation. This line also plays a vital role in strengthening electricity transmission to other major industrial areas across Kano, which hosts notable companies such as Sahana Industrial Products Ltd, Aluminium Products Manufacturing (Nig.) Ltd, and Dala Aluminium Products.

With a target to complete the project within 12 months, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, explained that the project involves replacing the existing Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) dog conductors with high-capacity Aluminium Conductor Composite Core (ACCC) Silvassa conductors.

"This line has been a major bottleneck affecting supply to strategic industrial areas like the Dakata Industrial Zone and the upcoming Walalambe transmission substation," Mbah stated.

Additionally, the upgrade will include the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to enable real-time monitoring and communication, as well as the use of composite polymer insulators designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. In a statement released in Abuja, the General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, stated that the upgrade is poised to greatly enhance the reliability of power transmission across Northern Nigeria, especially in key industrial hubs.

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Ali Sharifai further noted that the initiative is part of TCN's wider strategy to strengthen Nigeria's power infrastructure and support regional economic development. He also highlighted other ongoing projects, including the reconductoring of the Kankia–Katsina 132kV transmission line slated for completion within five to six weeks and system upgrades in Port Harcourt aimed at increasing line capacity and minimising outages.

"Since 2020, TCN has completed 22 transmission projects nationwide. These include the construction of four new 132kV substations and the upgrade of 15 existing substations with higher-capacity transformers and modern equipment. TCN remains committed to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's economic and social development through critical transmission infrastructure," added TCN's General Manager of Transmission Services, Ali Sharifai.