Nigeria Approves $2 Billion Super Grid Plan to Expand Power Transmission to 19,000MW

The proposed East-West Super Grid is expected to strengthen Nigeria's electricity network and significantly increase its capacity to transmit power across the country.

November 10, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria's Federal Government has approved a $2 billion investment in a proposed East-West Super Grid aimed at strengthening the country's electricity transmission network and expanding transmission capacity toward 19,000 megawatts (MW).

Minister of Power Olasunkanmi Tegbe said procurement processes had commenced following presidential approval, with the proposed project expected to be delivered within approximately 18 to 24 months, according to reports published on Monday.

The proposed infrastructure would link major transmission corridors across Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot-Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin.

Expanding Nigeria's Transmission Capacity

Tegbe said the proposed Super Grid would complement Nigeria's existing national grid rather than replace it.

The project is intended to address one of the country's major electricity-sector challenges: the limited ability of the transmission network to move available electricity reliably from generating plants to homes, businesses and industries.

Nigeria's existing transmission system has faced persistent infrastructure weaknesses and grid instability, contributing to unreliable electricity supply in many parts of the country.

Procurement Process Begins

According to the Power Minister, the procurement process for the proposed Super Grid has already begun following presidential approval.

The government expects the infrastructure to be delivered within 18 to 24 months, although the final construction timetable and detailed financing arrangements have not yet been publicly outlined.

Tegbe said the project forms part of broader efforts to improve the resilience and stability of Nigeria's electricity network.

Wider Power-Sector Challenges

The proposed investment comes as Nigeria continues to address problems affecting both electricity generation and transmission.

Tegbe said the government is also conducting technical assessments of critical transmission infrastructure, including towers, insulators, conductors and relays, to identify equipment requiring repair or replacement.

The government has also prioritised the restoration of the Oshogbo–Ikeja West transmission line, which Tegbe said could add about 400MW to electricity supply in the Lagos complex when restored.

Government Targets More Reliable Electricity

The proposed East-West Super Grid is part of a wider government strategy to improve electricity supply and grid stability.

Tegbe has said that expanding transmission infrastructure alone will not immediately solve Nigeria's electricity challenges, noting that improvements in generation, gas supply and other parts of the power system are also needed.

The government is targeting a longer-term improvement in electricity reliability as it expands infrastructure and addresses existing weaknesses in the power sector.

For now, the $2 billion Super Grid remains a major proposed infrastructure investment whose impact will depend on the successful completion of procurement, construction and the wider reforms needed across Nigeria's electricity sector.