The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has strengthened electricity transmission capacity in Lagos State by 220MVA with the commissioning of new power transformers at its Alausa and Lekki transmission substations.
The projects, commissioned on Monday, comprise a 1x100MVA, 132/33kV transformer at the Alausa Transmission Substation and two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers at the Lekki Transmission Substation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies, TCN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the projects were part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernise Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
At Alausa, Abdulaziz explained that the newly installed 100MVA transformer replaced an existing 30MVA unit, increasing the substation’s capacity by 70MVA, from 135MVA to 205MVA.
He said the project, executed by Shanghai Electric Ltd under a World Bank-funded initiative that commenced in January 2021, would, upon energisation, provide more stable and reliable electricity to at least 70,000 residents in Alausa and surrounding communities through the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
According to him, the upgrade would also increase the volume of bulk electricity that TCN could wheel to distribution load centres, thereby strengthening the overall performance and stability of the national grid.
“This upgrade meaningfully increases the quantum of bulk power that TCN can wheel to distribution load centres nationwide. It reinforces grid stability and ensures that more bulk power reaches the distribution companies’ load centres for onward delivery to electricity consumers,” he said.
At the Lekki Transmission Substation, the TCN chief executive said the installation of two 60MVA transformers had effectively doubled the substation’s transformation capacity at the 132kV level.
The additional 120MVA transformer capacity, he said, would translate into an estimated 96MW increase in output and enable TCN to wheel more bulk electricity to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for onward distribution to consumers across Lekki and adjoining communities.
Abdulaziz noted that the increased transmission capacity would support the rapidly expanding commercial and industrial activities in the Lekki axis, create opportunities for economic expansion and contribute to job creation and broader economic development in Lagos State.
“The newly installed 2x60MVA, 132/33kV power transformers we are commissioning today are more than just power equipment; they are the backbone for industrial growth and greater comfort for the homes of over 134,000 residents who will now enjoy more steady and reliable electricity,” he said.
The TCN boss said the commissioning of the two projects underscored the company’s commitment to building a robust, resilient and future-ready national transmission grid capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing electricity demand.
He disclosed that, in addition to the newly commissioned transformers, several other transformer projects had recently been completed and energised, while more installations were currently ongoing across the country.
Abdulaziz also appealed to Nigerians to protect transmission infrastructure from vandalism, warning that attacks on electricity assets could undermine investments aimed at improving power supply.
“Transmission infrastructure is the lifeline of our economy. By safeguarding it against vandalism, we enable TCN to continue to deliver on its mandate of transmitting bulk electricity more efficiently and effectively to every part of the country,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the World Bank, Lagos State Government, contractors, engineers, host communities, security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful completion of the projects.
The TCN managing director also commended the Federal Government and the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for their support and policy direction in strengthening the nation’s transmission infrastructure.
Abdulaziz reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to expanding and upgrading the transmission network to ensure that additional electricity generated across the country can be efficiently evacuated and delivered to distribution companies for onward supply to consumers.
He said the company would continue to prioritise investments that enhance transmission capacity, improve grid reliability and support economic growth through a more dependable electricity supply.
