TCN: Transmission Not to Blame for Power Shortages, Grid Ready for 8,700MW<\/p>\n
The Managing Director\/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, has stated that Nigeria\u2019s transmission network is not the primary constraint to electricity supply, noting that the national grid currently has capacity to wheel 8,700 megawatts (MW) \u2014 far above the highest power ever generated and delivered.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a four-day Parliamentary and Stakeholders\u2019 Engagement Summit on Power Sector Reforms in Nigeria holding in Lagos, Abdulaziz said available industry data show transmission infrastructure is not responsible for the country\u2019s persistent electricity shortages.<\/p>\n
According to him, while Nigeria\u2019s installed generation capacity stands at 13,625MW, the highest volume of electricity ever generated and delivered to the national grid was 5,801.84MW, recorded on March 4, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe transmission network has consistently wheeled every megawatt made available to it. Our grid has the capacity and our operators have the competence. The transmission network of Nigeria is ready,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n
The TCN boss said the company has significantly expanded the nation\u2019s bulk power wheeling capacity from about 7,000MW to 8,700MW through strategic investments and infrastructure upgrades supported by the Federal Government and international development partners.<\/p>\n
He noted that on the same day the historic peak generation of 5,801.84MW was achieved, the national grid also recorded a single-day energy delivery of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest in Nigeria\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
On Infrastructure Gains (Jan 2024 \u2013 Nov 2025),
\nAbdulaziz highlighted several achievements recorded by the Company between January 2024 and November 2025, including the commissioning of 82 power transformers nationwide. This added approximately 8,500 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of transformation capacity to the grid.<\/p>\n
He added that substations upgraded or commissioned during the period include Ajah, Egbin, Enugu New Haven, Onitsha, Gombe, Kano Kumbotso, Apo, Jos, Benin and Bauchi.<\/p>\n
The TCN boss disclosed that major transmission projects completed include the Delta-Effurun 132kV transmission line reconductoring project, the Benin-Ajaokuta 330kV transmission line strengthening works, and the commissioning of the Ihovbor\/Benin-Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out (TITO) lines in April 2026.<\/p>\n
According to him, the Ihovbor TITO project has significantly improved grid redundancy, operational flexibility and power evacuation capability in one of the country\u2019s most strategic power generation hubs.<\/p>\n
Speaking on funding and modernization,
\nEngr. Abdulaziz explained that the company has attracted over $1.4 billion in development finance from international partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Agence Fran\u00e7aise de D\u00e9veloppement, for transmission infrastructure projects across the country.<\/p>\n
TCN is also advancing the deployment of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system aimed at modernising grid operations through real-time monitoring, faster fault detection and improved power flow management, he said<\/p>\n
Abdulaziz identified several challenges affecting the power sector, including vandalism of transmission infrastructure, right-of-way encroachments, funding constraints, foreign exchange pressures, land acquisition difficulties and inadequate coordination across the electricity value chain.<\/p>\n
He called on the National Assembly to enact stronger laws protecting critical electricity infrastructure, establish a nationally consistent right-of-way framework, ensure adequate funding for transmission projects and support the full implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.<\/p>\n
The TCN chief also urged policymakers to promote coordinated investments across generation, gas supply, transmission and distribution segments to unlock Nigeria\u2019s full power generation potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe journey to reliable electricity in Nigeria is not a sprint; it is a structured, long-term national project requiring sustained commitment, well-sequenced investment and clear-eyed governance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Reaffirming TCN\u2019s commitment to improving electricity supply, Abdulaziz said the company remains focused on building a more resilient and efficient national grid capable of supporting Nigeria\u2019s economic growth and industrial development.<\/p>\n
He expressed confidence that the summit would produce actionable recommendations that would strengthen the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and accelerate progress toward reliable electricity for all Nigerians.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TCN: Transmission Not to Blame for Power Shortages, Grid Ready for 8,700MW The Managing Director\/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, has stated that Nigeria\u2019s transmission network is not the primary constraint to electricity supply, noting that the national grid currently has capacity to wheel 8,700 megawatts (MW) \u2014 far […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":150975,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2925,3067,3066,3065],"class_list":["post-150974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-others","tag-engr-sule-abdulaziz","tag-parliamentary-and-stakeholders-engagement-summit","tag-power-outages","tag-transmission"],"yoast_head":"\n