BY GLORIA AKUDORO
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a significant boost to the nation’s electricity infrastructure, confirming the completion of over 30 transmission projects nationwide.
According to the TCN, these projects, which include the construction of new substations and transmission lines, have successfully added more than 2,000MW of wheeling capacity to the national grid, directly enhancing the system’s ability to transmit power across the country.
The Executive Director of Transmission Service Provider (TSP) at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Dr. Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday at the strategic engagement between the TCN Management and Editors of various media organizations, and highlighted major milestones recorded in the past few years in modernising and expanding the national grid.
He added that the country’s wheeling capacity has also increased significantly from 5,000MW in 2015 to over 8,100MW, driven by critical investments and collaborations with international partners, including the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP).
“Over the past few years, TCN has made significant strides in modernising and expanding the national grid. We have completed over 30 transmission projects across the country, including new substations and transmission lines that have added more than 2,000MW of wheeling capacity to the grid.
He added that the country’s wheeling capacity has also increased significantly from 5,000MW in 2015 to over 8,100MW, driven by critical investments and collaborations with international partners, including the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP).
“Over the past few years, TCN has made significant strides in modernising and expanding the national grid. We have completed over 30 transmission projects across the country, including new substations and transmission lines that have added more than 2,000MW of wheeling capacity to the grid.
“Our wheeling capacity has grown from 5,000MW in 2015 to over 8,100MW today, thanks to strategic investments and donor-supported projects like the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP).
Ajiboye, while acknowledging the media as the custodians of information and public trust, and indispensable partners in its journey to transform Nigeria’s power transmission landscape, said under the leadership of Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, the MD/CEO of TCN, the company has recorded notable progress in project delivery and launched an ambitious digital transformation initiative through a strategic framework known as the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and Rehabilitation Program (NEGMERP).
This program, he stated, has enabled the implementation of numerous capital and reinforcement projects across various transmission regions, thereby strengthening the grid for efficient electricity evacuation and transmission.
“Notably, TCN has successfully completed several substations, initiated the re-conductoring of aging and low-capacity transmission lines, replaced aged transformers with new ones, and upgraded the capacities of existing transformers. In addition, multiple system generation peaks were recorded, including an all-time peak of 5,802 MW. Remarkably, for a period spanning 421 days from 20th July in 2022 to 13th of September, 2023, the national grid did not experience any collapse.
“To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, TCN embraced digital transformation through the utilization of internal solutions and vendor-procured applications. Prior to the unbundling of TCN this year, this transformation encompassed the upgrade of the TCN web portal, NSONG, to achieve transparency and facilitate the exchange of information critical to market operations.
“To address the crucial need for grid visibility, TCN engineers developed an in-house solution leveraging the “Internet of Things” (IoT) to obtain near real-time data from generators and substations. This was also done before the unbundling of TCN. The solution significantly improved grid visibility, with all generators and a substantial number of substations becoming visible to the Grid Controllers at the National Control Centre (NCC),” he noted.
Other achievements recorded include the signed contract for a new Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition System/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) and communication systems upgrade, replacing the outdated NEPA-era system. “While awaiting the full implementation of the advanced SCADA/EMS network, TCN recognized the value of small-scale solutions that yield impactful results.
“TCN is also automating and digitizing all its processes in alignment with the organization’s corporate goals and has implemented various digitalization projects. It places emphasis on maintaining equipment and infrastructure in a timely manner through proactive maintenance practices and the procurement of necessary spare parts, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of its operations. This commitment to regular maintenance helps prevent disruptions, enhances system performance, and reinforces TCN’s reputation as a dependable transmission service provider,” he said.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the company invested in training over 1,000 technical staff in the past two years, ensuring that its workforce is equipped to manage the evolving demands of a modern transmission network.
Additionally, is the regional interconnection done by Nigeria to strengthen cross-border transmission links with neighbouring countries, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a regional energy hub under the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
He said, “The recent test run on synchronisation of the Nigerian grid with WAPP member countries is a testament to that effect, while these achievements are commendable, they must be communicated effectively to the Nigerian people. This is where your role becomes pivotal.”
The company further recognised the media not just as observers, but as collaborators in nation-building; expressing it’s commitment to providing timely, accurate, and detailed information about our operations, challenges, and plans.
“Hosting regular briefings, facility tours, and technical workshops to deepen your understanding of our work. Working with you to correct misconceptions and ensure that public discourse around power transmission is informed and constructive.
“Let us build a relationship anchored on mutual respect, openness, and shared purpose. The transformation of Nigeria’s power sector is not the responsibility of TCN alone—it is a collective endeavour. With your support, we can amplify the truth, celebrate progress, and hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve.
Other key milestones listed include the renovation projects that have been carried out to improve office complexes, and modern facilities have been constructed in locations such as Aja – Lagos State, Kano – Kano State, Abuja – FCT, Ihovbor – Edo State, Owerri- Imo State, and Uyo – Akwa Ibom State, among others. These efforts reflect the management’s understanding that a well-designed and comfortable workspace positively impacts employee performance.