The federal government has moved to boost power supply across the country, with the inauguration of a 110MVA transformer at the Isolo Transmission Substation in Lagos.
The minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, while performing the inauguration, emphasised the project’s significance in enhancing Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and supporting economic growth, particularly for SMEs and industries.
Adelabu acknowledged the Central Bank of Nigeria’s support and highlighted ongoing challenges such as vandalism and aging infrastructure.
He assured collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to improve energy security and sustainability, urging all stakeholders to work together for optimal use of the new infrastructure.
“It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today at the commissioning of the newly installed 110MVA power transformer here at Isolo Transmission Substation in Lagos. This occasion is a testament to our unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and enhancing power delivery to our citizens.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for sponsoring this project under the Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). This partnership has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
“I would also like to commend TCN for its diligence and dedication in completing this project. Beyond enhancing electricity supply, this project has broader implications for our economy through direct impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large industries, reduction in operational challenges caused by power shortages, fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities, and driving local and regional development, particularly in Lagos, a critical economic hub of our nation. This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognises that energy is not merely a commodity; it is the backbone of economic growth and job creation.
To ensure the growth and sustainability of the sector, the federal government of Nigeria continues to implement a multi-pronged approach spanning policy development and strategic implementation plans, ongoing national infrastructure development programs to expedite infrastructure expansion, leveraging bilateral funding to de-risk investment, sector commercialisation, and strategic partnership with the investment community and development partners to address bottlenecks across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry value chain, setting the sector on a path toward bankability and long-term sustainability.
“We can all agree that our successes have not been without challenges especially at the transmission segment of the value chain. Last year, we recorded frequent grid disturbances and dip in supply level due to various reported factors which include aging infrastructure, resource limitations, capacity inadequacy across the value chain, and predominantly the consistent vandalism experienced on the transmission networks across the country.
“The Federal Ministry of Power under my leadership is always ready to work actively with TCN to resolve these issues to ensure energy security and sustainability across the country and as part of short-term measures, we encourage TCN to have in place a reinforced standard operating procedure for the system, detailed and enforced maintenance plans at the key transmission substations, consistent line tracing especially on lines that are tripping incessantly and critical lines, and assessment of key nodes integrity to prevent future disturbances.
”For our long-term strategies, we plan to work with TCN to complete all ongoing projects and to invest in regional and super grid projects that will enable a more robust and resilient grid system. We remain optimistic about the promise and the potential the sector holds to drive socio-economic development in the country, and we believe we shall overcome these challenges through active participation of all stakeholders.
“Once again, I laud the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the successful execution of this project. Your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of Nigerians, and I urge all stakeholders – from government agencies to private sector partners and local communities – to work collaboratively to ensure the sustainability, security, and optimal use of this infrastructure. I want to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Power will remain committed to driving initiatives that improve energy access, reliability, and affordability for all Nigerians” he said.
