Tegbe Unveils Super Grid, New Investment Drive as Nigeria Enters Next Power Reform Phase

 Tegbe Unveils Super Grid, New Investment Drive as Nigeria Enters Next Power Reform Phase

ABUJA, September 21, 2026 — The Federal Government has unveiled a new phase of investment and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s power sector, with plans to deepen grid stabilisation, develop a Transmission Super Grid and attract fresh capital into critical electricity infrastructure.

Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking at a media parley to mark his first 100 days in office.

Tegbe said the Ministry’s initial efforts focused on stabilising the existing electricity system, restoring stranded generation capacity and strengthening the commercial and governance structures needed to attract sustainable investment.

According to him, the next phase of the reform programme will focus on four major areas: deeper transmission-grid stabilisation, development of the Transmission Super Grid, improved utilisation of existing power assets and preparation for rising electricity demand.

Nigeria-China partnership to accelerate power projects

The Minister said the recent Nigeria-China power mission had resulted in commitments from major Chinese companies and financial institutions to accelerate the delivery of priority electricity projects.

He listed the companies as Sinomach, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC), TBEA and HengFei Cables.

Tegbe said the engagements were designed to move beyond financing discussions by combining capital, technology and project-delivery capacity.

He disclosed that CMEC had reaffirmed its involvement in the 1.9GW Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), with the first transmission lines expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027.

CNEEC, he added, had progressed with financing arrangements for the $116 million Zungeru evacuation project, with approval targeted before the end of 2026.

TBEA also committed to a proposed $500 million industrial park dedicated to power-equipment manufacturing in Nigeria, while supporting accelerated implementation of the PPI and a three-year delivery plan for the East-West Super Grid.

Similarly, HengFei Cables committed to supplying cables for the second phase of the PPI and proposed establishing a cable assembly plant and training centre in Nigeria.

Tegbe said the initiatives would help link power infrastructure development with local manufacturing, skills development and technology transfer.

Government begins Super Grid preparations

The Minister said the Ministry had commenced technical audits along the Lagos and Abuja transmission corridors to identify weaknesses in the network and ensure that investments are directed towards projects capable of delivering measurable improvements.

He identified the Lagos, Enugu-Port Harcourt and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano transmission corridors as key components of the government’s grid-stabilisation strategy.

According to him, the Ministry will now begin the development of the Transmission Super Grid while continuing ongoing corridor-stabilisation efforts under the PPI and other related programmes.

Huawei partnership targets grid digitalisation

Tegbe also disclosed that the Federal Government had signed a cooperation agreement with Huawei Technologies to strengthen the digital management of Nigeria’s electricity network.

The agreement covers grid digitalisation, reduction of technical and commercial losses, assessment of gaps in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and technical training.

He explained that improved digital visibility and system control would enable operators to better monitor the national grid and respond more effectively to system challenges.

Mambila project, renewable energy receive fresh attention

On the Mambila Hydropower Project, Tegbe welcomed Nigeria’s victory in the arbitration proceedings relating to the long-delayed project.

He said the Ministry had engaged Energy China on the project and directed the contractor to explore the most practical approach to its delivery, including the possibility of a phased implementation.

The Minister said Nigeria’s long-term power strategy would also include the development of larger hydropower projects, including Mambila, as well as small hydropower schemes designed to support agricultural production corridors.

He further highlighted the establishment of the Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO), which is expected to play a role in financing and managing renewable-energy infrastructure.

According to Tegbe, RAMCO will engage competent operators for metering, billing, revenue collection and maintenance of renewable-energy assets, while targeting the mobilisation of about ₦3 trillion over the coming years to support investment and improve the viability of public renewable-energy infrastructure.

‘Stabilisation is the essential first stage of expansion’

Reflecting on his first 100 days, Tegbe said the Ministry had concentrated on establishing the foundation required for sustainable growth in the power sector.

“Stabilisation is the essential first stage of expansion,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ministry would continue collaborating with development partners, including the World Bank, African Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, Sustainable Energy for All and UK PACT, on financing, technical assistance, hydropower development and electrification initiatives.

Tegbe said the next six months would be focused on translating ongoing repairs, investments and reforms into more visible improvements in electricity supply and service delivery for consumers.

“Our original commitment to visible, incremental improvements remains the benchmark,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a disciplined approach to addressing challenges in the electricity sector, strengthening the national grid, attracting investment and communicating more transparently with Nigerians.