Right-of-Way Delays Stall 624MW Abuja Power Project — TCN

Right-of-way (RoW) challenges are holding back the completion of the 624-megawatt Abuja power project, despite the facility being more than 91 per cent complete, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said.

According to TCN, access constraints along critical transmission corridors have slowed final works needed to evacuate power from the project to the national grid. The delays are largely linked to unresolved land issues, including compensation disputes and encroachments along the transmission route.

The Abuja power project is designed to strengthen electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, easing pressure on existing infrastructure and improving grid stability. However, officials say the inability to secure uninterrupted right-of-way has affected the timely erection of transmission towers and stringing of lines required to bring the plant fully online.

TCN noted that while engineering and installation work at the power facility itself is nearing completion, transmission infrastructure remains the bottleneck. The company said it is working with relevant government agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders to resolve the outstanding RoW issues.

Industry analysts warn that continued delays could defer the anticipated benefits of the project, including improved power reliability for Abuja and reduced load shedding. They also stress that persistent right-of-way challenges highlight a broader structural problem facing power transmission projects across the country.

TCN reiterated its commitment to completing the project as soon as access issues are resolved, adding that timely intervention by authorities and cooperation from affected communities will be critical to bringing the 624MW capacity into operation.