TCN’s $1.16bn Donor-funded Projects Boost Line Upgrades to 240MW, Deliver 82 Transformers

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the completion of line upgrades and installation of 82 power transformers between January 2024 and November 2025, with support from $1.16 billion in donor funding.

In a detailed scorecard of its achievements under the managing director, Dr Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, released on Wednesday, the TCN stated that transmission capacity has grown to 8,500MW and that efforts include rehabilitating substations and re-conductoring transmission lines.

TCN added that overall network performance is measured by the electrical energy wheeled through the system. Line upgrades included increasing the Sokoto–Birnin Kebbi line from 70MW to 150MW and the Ikeja West–Alimosho–Ogba–Alausa lines from 120MW to 240MW.

TCN reported completing reconductoring on the Delta–Effurun 132kV line, the Ayede–Eleyele–Jericho line, and the Osogbo–Ede/Iwo 132kV double circuits. Contracts were awarded for 21 additional lines, including the 107km 330kV Onitsha–New Haven line and the 104km Shiroro–Mando 330kV line upgraded to quad conductor. These form part of the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP).

TCN commissioned 82 power transformers nationwide from January 2024 to November 2025, adding 8,500.50 MVA to the grid. In the second half of 2025, TCN installed 15 transformers with a capacity of 300 MVA at the Akangba, Lekki, Alagbon, Ikeja West, Osogbo (twice), Ganmo, Jos, Gombe, Kumbotso, Asaba, Oke-Aro, Benin, Alaoji, and Katampe substations. TCN noted that prior installations used up to 150 MVA of capacity and that plans exist for additional 300 MVA units.

According to the scorecard, the TCN recorded a peak transmission of 5,801.84MW and a daily energy of 128,370.75 MWh on March 4, 2025, while the national grid remained stable for 421 days from July 20, 2022, to September 13, 2023. TCN reported a 76.47 per cent reduction in grid disturbances, with two disturbances from January to August 2025 and no collapses.

The company noted that through its Project Management Unit, it is implementing donor-funded projects supported by AFD, AFDB, JICA, and World Bank. Completed projects include five substations—two 330kV and three 132kV—plus a 330kV line under the Abuja Feeding Scheme supplying Lafia. The Ogun–Lagos project, involving six substations and 330kV/132kV lines, is pending compensation processes.

Other completed works include the Kaduna–Jos 330kV double-circuit line, the Oke-Eletu 132/33kV line, the transposition of the 330kV Makurdi–Aliade–Ugwuaji line, and the reconstruction of the Ikorodu–Shagamu 132kV line from a 150mm² single circuit to a 250mm² double circuit.TCN reported restocking central stores with transformers, spare parts, and maintenance and project equipment.

The company said it deployed the Generation Dip/Loss Detection System (GLDS) and Internet of Things (IoT) for grid monitoring. TCN conducts regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs, including reactor installations at substations.

It also launched a booklet on the Grievance Mechanism to address project delays.

TCN stated it aims to establish a transmission network capable of wheeling power generation to distribution load centres.