TCN Rolls Out $200m Expansion Project to Strengthen Nigeria’s Power Grid

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has launched a transformative $200 million project aimed at enhancing the nation’s power grid, with support from the World Bank.

During a recent inspection of key substations in Lagos and Ogun States, TCN’s Managing Director, Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, highlighted the progress of the project and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring a stable power supply.

“I have come to these substations to see the progress we are making in expanding the Nigerian electricity grid,” Abdulaziz stated.

TCN has awarded contracts for grid expansion in all regions, ensuring that every part of the nation benefits from the upgrade.

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“The task of expanding the grid is a nationwide programme, so all regions will get it one by one. We will go there and show Nigerians what we did,” Abdulaziz added.

In Ogun State, two transformers have been installed in the Sango-Ota area, with one already commissioned to serve neighboring communities.

This development has increased the power output by 200 megawatts, benefitting areas like Abeokuta, Lusada, Ota, and parts of Lagos.

In Lagos, two major projects were completed. The Alausa Transmission Substation saw the commissioning of a new 1×100/125 MVA 132/33KV power transformer, which boosted capacity from 105 MVA to 230 MVA.

Meanwhile, the Alagbon Transmission Substation underwent an upgrade with the commissioning of two 100/125 MVA transformers, raising capacity from 240 MVA to 440 MVA.

These upgrades are expected to supply more bulk power to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for distribution to high-demand areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Banana Island, and Lekki.

“We are doing a lot of projects in Lagos to ensure regular and sufficient power supply. It will now be up to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company to make sure that this power is distributed wherever it is required,” Abdulaziz said.

The World Bank’s funding, secured in December 2023, also includes the implementation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to enhance grid reliability.

Mr. Ashish Khanne, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Central Africa, expressed the institution’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy sector during his visit to TCN earlier this year.

Despite significant progress, TCN is facing challenges from vandalism and attacks on its infrastructure.

However, Abdulaziz assured the public that efforts are ongoing to address these issues.

“We are working closely with local leaders and security agencies to ensure that communities understand that the infrastructure in their areas belongs to them and not outsiders,” he emphasized.

The $200 million World Bank-backed initiative, combined with ongoing investments in infrastructure, positions TCN to provide more reliable power to millions of Nigerians.

However, Abdulaziz stressed the crucial role of distribution companies like EKEDC and Ikeja Electric in ensuring that the increased bulk power reaches the end users efficiently.