FG Unveils $2bn Super Grid Plan To Boost Electricity Capacity To 19,000MW

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a $2 billion East-West Super Grid designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission capacity to at least 19,000 megawatts. Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed this during an interview on TVC Breakfast, saying the proposed infrastructure would complement the existing national grid and……

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a $2 billion East-West Super Grid designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission capacity to at least 19,000 megawatts.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed this during an interview on TVC Breakfast, saying the proposed infrastructure would complement the existing national grid and improve the stability of electricity supply.

According to him, the project is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to build resilience into the national electricity network rather than replace the entire grid.

Tegbe said procurement for the project had already commenced, adding that the proposed transmission network could be delivered within two years.

“The East-West Grid is going to cost about $2 billion. But again, it will have capacity for us to effectively have at least 19,000 megawatts capacity,” he said.

The minister explained that the proposed network would cut across different parts of the country, connecting major electricity transmission corridors.

He said the project would help address some of the limitations in the existing transmission infrastructure, which he described as one of the biggest constraints in the electricity sector.

Tegbe noted that some transmission lines and associated infrastructure were more than 50 years old, making them vulnerable to breakdowns and other operational challenges.

He said the government was also undertaking a technical audit of the power sector to identify specific infrastructure requiring repairs and replacement.

Beyond transmission, the minister disclosed that the government was pursuing plans to increase electricity generation to 20,000 megawatts.

He said industrialist Aliko Dangote had expressed commitment to supporting the country’s generation expansion plans.

Tegbe also identified several hydroelectric projects that could contribute to future electricity supply, including the Mambilla project, which he said had the potential to generate 3,000 megawatts.

He disclosed that 21 dams had been identified along the Sokoto-Badagry Express Road corridor for possible development into small hydropower projects.

The minister said the government was already engaging investors to develop the identified dams.

He added that the proposed investments, alongside greater private sector participation in the distribution and transmission segments, would help improve electricity supply.

Tegbe said the government was working towards creating a more resilient electricity network capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing energy demand.

Get a curated selection of the latest Nigeria and global news, right in your email.