FG unveils $2bn East-West Super Grid to boost transmission capacity to 19,000MW

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a $2 billion East-West Super Grid project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure and increasing its capacity to at least 19,000 megawatts.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during an interview on TVC Breakfast, explaining that the proposed project would complement the existing national grid and improve the reliability and stability of electricity supply across the country.

According to the minister, the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to build a more resilient electricity network capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing energy demands, rather than replacing the existing grid.

Tegbe revealed that procurement for the project had commenced, expressing optimism that the transmission infrastructure could be completed within two years.

He explained that the proposed East-West Super Grid would connect major electricity transmission corridors across different parts of the country, providing additional capacity and reducing pressure on the existing transmission network.

The minister identified ageing infrastructure as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s power sector, noting that some transmission lines and related facilities were more than 50 years old and increasingly vulnerable to breakdowns and operational failures.

He added that the Federal Government was conducting a technical audit of the electricity sector to identify critical infrastructure requiring repairs, upgrades or complete replacement.

Beyond transmission, Tegbe disclosed that the government was also working towards increasing electricity generation to 20,000 megawatts, with industrialist Aliko Dangote expressing commitment to supporting the expansion plans.

He further highlighted the potential contribution of hydroelectric projects, particularly the Mambilla Hydropower Project, which has an estimated generation capacity of 3,000 megawatts.

The minister also revealed that 21 dams along the Sokoto-Badagry Express Road corridor had been identified for possible development into small hydropower facilities, adding that the government was engaging investors to explore their development.

Tegbe maintained that investments in transmission and generation, alongside increased private sector participation in the electricity distribution and transmission segments, would be critical to addressing the country’s persistent power challenges.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to developing a stronger and more dependable electricity network that would support industrial growth, economic development and improved electricity access nationwide.

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