Transmission Company Raises Electricity Wheeling Capacity To 8,700MW

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has boosted its electricity wheeling capacity to 8,700MW, marking a significant leap in the nation’s power infrastructure despite persistent vandalism threats and operational hurdles, TCN’s managing director/CEO, Dr Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, announced this achievement in a year-end address to staff, partners, and stakeholders over the weekend.

Reflecting on 2025 as a “historic year” under the theme “Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Powering Our Future Together,” Abdulaziz said the unbundling of TCN and the launch of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has transformed the sector.

“This has indeed been a historic year, one that will be remembered for the unbundling of TCN and the successful take-off of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO),” he stated.

“With the accomplishment of this important reform article, TCN now stands fully focused on infrastructural development, maintenance, expanding and strengthening the transmission network, while NISO assumes responsibility for general administration of the System and Market operations as well as enforcement and compliance audit.

“The unbundling, Abdulaziz emphasised, signals ‘maturity in our sector and a bold step toward building the kind of electricity supply industry Nigeria deserves.”

This restructuring, he said, had allowed TCN to sharpen its focus on grid expansion, with deliberate investments yielding tangible results.

According to him, key among them is the installation of 82 new power transformers between January 2024 and November 2025, which added over 8,500 MVA to the national grid. “These accomplishments speak to TCN’s determination to keep improving the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector,” the MD noted.
Abdulaziz noted that a standout achievement occurred on March 4, 2025, when TCN transmitted an all-time peak generation of 5,801.84MW, coupled with a maximum daily energy sendout of 128,370.75 MWh—the highest ever recorded in the country’s history.

These feats have directly increased TCN’s wheeling capacity to 8,700MW, positioning the company to meet Nigeria’s rising electricity demand better.

Abdulaziz also credited infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion efforts, including upgrades to ageing assets and boosts in transformer capacity across the country.

“With these efforts, TCN’s wheeling capability has grown to 8,700MW, ensuring that we are better prepared to support the nation’s increasing demand for electricity,” he affirmed.

He stated that these gains are underpinned by over $1.16 billion in projects funded by development partners, demonstrating international confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.

Highlights include the Abuja Feeding Scheme, featuring five new substations and a 330kV transmission line, with some phases already completed. “This partnership has resulted in projects such as the Abuja Feeding Scheme, aimed at modernising the grid, expanding capacity, and preparing TCN to meet the energy needs of a growing economy,” Abdulaziz said.

“The confidence shown by these partners in TCN’s ability to deliver is both humbling and motivating.”

Yet, the year was not without thorns. Vandalism emerged as a persistent menace, with TCN recording 131 incidents across its network from January to November 2025 alone. “Granted, vandalism continues to be a thorny issue in the affairs of TCN,” the MD acknowledged candidly.

“From January to November 2025 alone, the company recorded 131 vandalism incidents across its network.” Management is responding aggressively, partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security operatives, and community vigilantes.

“We will continue to intensify sensitisation campaigns and community engagement efforts to curb this trend and safeguard our critical infrastructure,” Abdulaziz pledged.

Abdulaziz lauded the resilience of TCN’s workforce and industrial harmony.

“Through your unwavering commitment, we have continued to make significant strides in our core mandate of ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity across the nation,” he told colleagues.

He extended thanks to unions like the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), noting their role in sustaining “industrial peace throughout the year.”

“Our most valuable asset is our people, and your hard work has been the cornerstone of our success,” he added.Looking to 2026, Abdulaziz outlined an ambitious roadmap.

“We must endeavour to build on this year’s accomplishments, with focus on accelerating project implementation, modernizing transmission infrastructure, prompt maintenance, and deepening stakeholder engagement,” he urged.

As TCN collaborates more closely with NISO, the goal remains clear: “Together with NISO and other sector players, we must stay focused on the larger goal of advancing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and powering our nation’s growth.”

The MD expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, donor partners, security agencies, and sector colleagues.

He also remembered fallen staff: “To the families of our colleagues who passed away in 2025, we extend our prayers and solidarity; their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“The future holds exciting opportunities, and I am confident that the TCN team has the vision and capability to seize them… Together we will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network and play our part in lighting up the nation’s future.”