Transmission Not Nigeria’s Power Constraint— TCN

…Says wheeling capacity now at 8,700MW, peak generation 5,801.84MW

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said transmission is not the primary constraint in Nigeria’s electricity sector. The company stated that the national grid can transmit more power than has ever been generated and supplied to it.

The managing director /CEO of TCN, Dr Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, spoke at the four-day Parliamentary/Stakeholders’ Summit on Power Sector Reforms in Lagos on Tuesday.

Abdulaziz, who was represented by the general manager, Transmission Services Engr. Ali Sharifai, noted that data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) shows Nigeria’s installed generation capacity is 13,625MW. The highest power generated and delivered to the national grid was 5,801.84MW, recorded on March 4, 2025. On the same day, TCN achieved a daily energy delivery of 128,370.75MWh.

“TCN’s transmission wheeling capacity stands at 8,700MW,” Abdulaziz said. “The national grid can currently transmit more power than has ever been generated and supplied to it. TCN has consistently wheeled all available generation, showing that the transmission network is ready to support higher levels of electricity delivery.”

TCN said it expanded the nation’s bulk wheeling capacity from about 7,000MW to 8,700MW over the past few years, adding 1,700MW of transmission capability through investments supported by the federal government and development partners.

Between January 2024 and November 2025, TCN commissioned 82 transformers, adding approximately 8,500MVA of transformation capacity nationwide. The company also delivered substations and transmission line projects that improved grid reliability across all geopolitical zones.

Abdulaziz said TCN mobilised over $1.4 billion in development financing from the World Bank, African Development Bank, JICA, and AFD for transmission expansion and modernisation projects. He said the company is implementing a nationwide SCADA system for real-time network visibility, faster fault management, and improved dispatch efficiency.

Abdulaziz acknowledged challenges in the power sector. He said vandalism and sabotage of transmission infrastructure disrupt power supply, increase repair costs, and undermine investments.

“Protecting electricity infrastructure requires stronger security measures, community cooperation, and stricter legal deterrents,” he said.

He said persistent encroachment on transmission Rights-of-Way creates safety risks, hinders maintenance, and constrains network expansion. He called for coordinated action among federal, state, and local authorities with a stronger legal framework.

Abdulaziz said expanding the grid requires substantial capital investment. He noted that financing constraints, foreign exchange pressures, and counterpart funding requirements affect project timelines.
He said unlocking Nigeria’s full generation potential requires coordinated investments across the value chain. While TCN expanded transmission capacity to 8,700MW, increased generation dispatch, adequate energy supply to power plants, and stronger distribution networks remain essential.

He said the sector’s long-term sustainability depends on a financially viable electricity market with cost-reflective tariffs, improved revenue collection, stronger payment discipline, and a stable regulatory environment.

Abdulaziz said land acquisition and community engagement challenges affect transmission project delivery. He suggested streamlined processes, fair compensation, and structured stakeholder engagement would accelerate infrastructure development.

“TCN remains committed to building a stronger, more reliable electricity sector for Nigeria,” he said.
Abdulaziz said Nigeria’s electricity sector has undergone reforms over the past two decades, including PHCN unbundling, establishment of NERC, NBET, REA reforms, the Presidential Power Initiative, and the Electricity Act 2023, which created the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

He said TCN supports the Electricity Act 2023 and government initiatives to improve electricity supply. TCN has $1.4 billion in active development financing, more than 5,000 staff, and over five decades of grid operational experience.

TCN called for stronger legal protection of electricity infrastructure, a nationally consistent Right-of-Way protection framework, adequate funding for priority transmission projects, and full implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.

The company also called for efforts to strengthen the electricity market’s financial sustainability and coordinated investment across generation, gas supply, transmission, and distribution.
“Reliable electricity requires a sector-wide approach,” Abdulaziz said. “Achieving Nigeria’s full electricity potential depends on aligned investments, supportive policies, regulatory certainty, and collaboration across the value chain.”

Abdulaziz said Nigeria’s electricity challenges are understood and solutions are known. He said sustained political will, coordinated action, and effective implementation of existing plans, laws, and partnerships are needed.

“TCN has demonstrated delivery capacity with verifiable achievements,” he said. “The transmission grid is ready and continues to expand. With legislative support on funding, policy direction, and oversight, the transmission network can remain the backbone of a reliable electricity system for Nigeria.”