“Completion of substations crucial to FG’s 10,000 MW grid capacity target by 2025,” says Abdulazeez

Michelle Savage

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has strengthened Lagos and parts of Ogun State’s electricity supply infrastructure with the commissioning of new power transformers at key substations in Alausa, Ota, and Alagbon, as part of a $200 million World Bank-backed initiative.

TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulazeez, made this announcement during a press tour on Wednesday to review the recent improvements at the Ota, Alausa, and Alagbon substations.

He explained that the upgrades are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity grid and expand transmission capacity, with the project facilitated through the World Bank initiative.

Abdulazeez linked the upgrades to the federal government’s goal of achieving a 10,000 MW grid capacity by 2025, assuring, “We can reach the target, but we need more investment in the sector to get there.”

During the first visit to Ota, TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulazeez, highlighted the significant progress in the Ota 132/33kV substation, where a 100/125 MVA transformer, commissioned on April 3, has increased capacity from 160 MW to 260 MW.

Abdulazeez also inspected the ongoing installation of a second 100/125MVA transformer, revealing that the energized transformer, in operation since April 4, 2024, has added a maximum of 100 MW to the substation’s capacity.

“This expansion has significantly improved power supply to communities such as Ota, Iju, Sango, Ijoko, Atan, and parts of Abeokuta and Lagos. Industrial hubs in the area have particularly benefited, as the upgraded infrastructure ensures more consistent electricity delivery,” the TCN MD stated.

He added that the second transformer is in its pre-commissioning phase and will further enhance the substation’s capacity.

Abdulazeez emphasized that the project is critical to TCN’s grid expansion program, particularly for the Ota industrial hub.

At the Alausa 132/33kV substation, TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulazeez, revealed that the facility is crucial for serving densely populated areas of Lagos.

He announced that the substation received a major boost with the commissioning of a 100/125 MVA transformer on September 26, 2024.

The new transformer increased the substation’s capacity from 135 MVA to 235 MVA, providing more bulk power for Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to offtake for its customers in Ikeja, Oregun, Alausa, Ojodu, and surrounding areas.

Abdulazeez emphasized that this upgrade significantly improves power supply and strengthens the electricity distribution network in Lagos.

The most notable transformation, according to TCN’s Managing Director, is at the Alagbon 330/132/33kV substation, where two 100/125 MVA transformers, commissioned on January 18, 2024, have increased bulk power supply capacity to 460 MVA.

Abdulazeez stated that the Alagbon substation now provides a more reliable power supply to Eko Distribution Company (EKEDC) customers in high-demand areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Banana Island, Lagos Island, and Lekki.

He emphasized that the upgrades will positively impact businesses and residents in these areas, representing a critical improvement in a region that drives much of the nation’s commerce.

Abdulazeez at the end of the tour with the media expressed concern over the growing issue of vandalism, noting that despite advancements in TCN’s infrastructure, the threat posed by vandalism remains a major challenge.

He pointed out that decades-old infrastructure, limited funding, and ongoing vandalism are destabilizing the power grid.

“We are working closely with security agencies and engaging community and religious leaders to address this issue,” Abdulazeez said, stressing that Nigerians need to understand that these infrastructures belong to them, not just the government.

He assured that TCN will continue to make progress across the country, focusing on expanding capacity and improving power supply to homes, businesses, and industries.

“The goal is to support Nigeria’s economic growth and energy development,” he concluded.

TCN boss noted that the company is undertaking several substation projects in its substations nationwide, adding that some have been completed, while others are ongoing.

He confirmed that several transformer projects have also been completed in TCN substations nationwide, including substations in Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Benin, Nassarawa, Imo States, and Abuja.