The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced significant strides in its nationwide transmission capacity expansion, facilitated by a $200 million World Bank-funded initiative.
This ambitious project is aimed at improving electricity supply reliability and addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Managing Director of TCN, Mr Sule Abdulaziz, revealed this during his inspection of key substations in Lagos and Ogun States.
“I have come to these substations to see the progress they are making in our programme of expanding the Nigerian electricity grid,” Abdulaziz stated.
According to Abdulaziz, TCN has awarded contracts for grid expansion projects across all regions including the north. He emphasised the nationwide scope of the initiative, saying, “The task of expanding the grid is a nationwide programme, so all regions will get it one by one. We will go there and we will show Nigerians what we did.”
He indicated key achievements include the installation of two transformers in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State, with one already commissioned and serving all the neighbouring environment following the increased output capacity by 200 megawatts. These upgrades, he noted, are now powering areas such as Abeokuta, Lusada, Ota as well as parts of Lagos.
He said In Lagos, a newly commissioned 1×100/125 MVA 132/33KV power transformer at the Alausa Transmission Substation has boosted its capacity from 105MVA to 230MVA. Similarly, at the Alagbon Transmission Substation, two 100/125 MVA transformers were commissioned, raising capacity from 240MVA to 440MVA.
“This means more bulk power available for Eko Disconton offtake to its customers in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Banana Island, some oarts of Lagos Island and some parts of Lekki, Abdulaziz said.
“We are doing a lot of projects in Lagos to make sure that enjoy regular and sufficient power supply. It will now be for the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to make sure they distribute this power wherever it is required,” he stated.
The World Bank’s support, pledged on December 28, 2023, includes the implementation of critical projects such as the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to improve grid reliability.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Central Africa, Mr Ashish Khanne, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment during a courtesy visit to TCN earlier this year.
Despite these advancements, TCN faces challenges from vandalism and attacks on its infrastructure. However, Abdulaziz assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to curb these issues.
“We are also talking to the local heads and community leaders, they should find a way to talk to their people. They should let their people know that all these structures that are in their areas belong to them and not somebody else.
“So, we are doing a lot in collaboration with the security agencies and I think we are getting results,” he assured.
With this $200 million project and continuous investment in capacity-building, TCN is charting a path toward more stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria. However, the Managing Director noted that distribution companies like Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ikeja Electric have a pivotal role in ensuring that the increased bulk power reaches end-users efficiently.
By Ekaete Bassey @TheNation
