Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had authorised work on the project, with procurement already underway.

What To Know:

- The proposed East–West Super Grid will cut across the country, linking major transmission corridors in the North and South. It is expected to increase the network’s capacity from about 4,000–5,000MW to at least 19,000MW, providing greater capacity to evacuate electricity to consumers.

- Tegbe identified stability as the government’s immediate priority, crediting better coordination among the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and generation companies for improved response to disruptions.

- He cited the restoration of a damaged transmission line within four to five days, compared with the much longer periods previously required. He also directed that the Oshogbo–Ikeja West line be repaired by the end of November.

- The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had paid about ₦1.2 trillion out of the ₦3.3 trillion power-sector debt. He said the government intends to clear the outstanding balance next year to improve the liquidity of generation companies and strengthen their ability to pay for gas.

- The government is working to maximise the capacity of underutilised facilities, including the Alaoji and Afam power plants in the Niger Delta, by improving their output and ensuring electricity can be transmitted to areas where it is needed.