The Transmission Company of Nigeria has projected a major boost of about 624 megawatts to the national grid upon the completion of the Abuja feeding scheme, a $170 million power infrastructure project designed to stabilise electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
The executive director of the Transmission Service Provider at TCN, Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection tour of the ongoing project sites in Abuja. The project, which is being funded by the French Development Agency, began in April 2019 and is aimed at creating a third and more reliable power source to guarantee 24-hour electricity supply to the nation’s capital.
Ajiboye explained that the Abuja feeding scheme comprises five new substations alongside critical transmission lines to strengthen bulk power supply into the city. He said the initiative would significantly improve grid reliability, reduce outages and support Abuja’s growing energy demand once fully operational.
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According to him, the project is divided into six lots covering transmission lines from Lafia to New Apo, internal lines within Abuja, and substations located at New Apo, Lugbe West Main, Kuje, Wumba-Lokogoma and Gwarinpa, including Lugbe, Idu and Karimo. He noted that the substations are more than 91 per cent complete, with several already close to energisation.
Ajiboye admitted that the project has faced delays due to right-of-way constraints, particularly along the New Apo transmission line route. He, however, assured that TCN is intensifying efforts to resolve the issues, adding that work is progressing steadily at other locations where access challenges are minimal.
He said the company is engaging relevant government authorities and stakeholders to address right-of-way disputes so that the remaining transmission routes can be accessed and completed without further delay. According to him, once these constraints are cleared, the scheme will move rapidly into operation.
The TCN executive stressed that the inspection tour was carried out to assess progress on the project and ensure that contractors remain on schedule, noting that the Abuja feeding scheme remains a critical component of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network.
The project is expected to play a key role in improving power supply to Abuja and neighbouring states, reduce pressure on existing transmission lines and enhance overall grid stability as Nigeria continues to pursue power sector reforms.
