Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has launched a line ‘reconductoring’ project in Kano to improve power transmission reliability across Northern Nigeria. 

The project involves upgrading the ageing Kumbotso-Dakata 132kV Double-Circuit Transmission Line, which has been a major bottleneck affecting supply to key industrial hubs like the Dakata Industrial Zone and the upcoming Walalambe Transmission Substation, TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement.

The project, expected to be completed within 12 months, includes critical upgrades such as replacing obsolete dog conductors with high-capacity ones , installing Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for enhanced communication and monitoring, and deploying durable composite polymer insulators suited for harsh environmental conditions.

TCN’s General Manager, Transmission Services, Ali Sharifai emphasised the project’s importance, stating that it’s not just infrastructure renewal but about restoring confidence in the transmission network and empowering industries and communities through reliable electricity.

The project is part of TCN’s efforts to enhance power infrastructure and economic development in the region.

Similar projects, TCN said include: The reconductoring of the Kankia-Katsina 132kV transmission line, expected to last between five and six weeks, and the upgrade of transmission lines in Port Harcourt, aimed at increasing line capacity and reducing power interruptions.

The TCN said it has also completed 22 power transmission projects and upgrades since 2020, including delivering four units of 132 kilovolts transmission substations and upgrading 15 existing substations with higher capacity transformers and equipment .

“TCN is committed to contributing its quota to the country’s economic and social development through impactful transmission infrastructural development,” the statement added.