The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is intensifying its nationwide electricity grid expansion, utilizing a $200 million World Bank-funded project to enhance power supply throughout the country.
TCN’s Managing Director, Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, made this revelation on Wednesday while inspecting substations in the states of Lagos and Ogun.
The World Bank, a significant donor to TCN’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU), pledged its support on December 28, 2023, committing to fund critical transmission projects. This includes the implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to enhance grid reliability.
Speaking earlier in 2024, Mr. Ashish Khanne, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria and Central Africa, reiterated the bank’s commitment during a courtesy visit to TCN’s management in Abuja.
Highlighting the progress of ongoing projects, Abdulaziz stated, “We are expanding the grid nationwide, with contracts awarded for projects in Sango-Ota (Ogun State), Alausa and Alagbon (Lagos State), as well as in Kano, Maiduguri, Yola, and other regions.”
In Sango-Ota, two transformers are being installed, one of which has already been commissioned, increasing the substation’s output capacity to 200 megawatts. This upgrade serves areas like Abeokuta, Lusada, and parts of Lagos.
Additionally, TCN recently commissioned a 1×100/125MVA 132/33KV transformer at the Alausa Transmission Substation in Lagos, raising its capacity from 105MVA to 230MVA. Similarly, two new 100/125MVA transformers commissioned at the Alagbon Transmission Substation in January 2024 expanded its capacity from 240MVA to 440MVA.
“These upgrades mean more bulk power for distribution companies like Ikeja Electric and Eko Disco to supply to their customers in areas such as Oregun, Alausa, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki,” Abdulaziz explained.
Reassuring Lagos residents, Abdulaziz said, “We are investing in numerous projects in Lagos to guarantee regular and sufficient power supply. However, it’s up to the distribution companies like Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to ensure the power is delivered to where it is needed.”
On the issue of vandalism of infrastructure, Abdulaziz revealed that TCN is collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to safeguard its facilities.
“We are engaging local leaders to educate their communities about the importance of these assets, which belong to them and are crucial for improving their lives,” he noted.
One of the most important steps in resolving Nigeria’s power supply issues is the TCN’s statewide system development. The project has the potential to create a more dependable and effective electrical system in the nation with strong support from the World Bank and a dedication to ongoing development.
