The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced the second phase of compensation for communities affected by the 330kV double circuit Mando–Rimin Zakara transmission line, with over 2,000 beneficiaries paid in the first tranche of the exercise.
The compensation process, which began on May 7, 2026, in Shika, Zaria, forms part of efforts to clear the Right of Way (RoW) for the major transmission project linking Kaduna and Kano States.
Speaking during the exercise, the Project Manager, Engr. Omobola Odusoga Sobo, disclosed that a total of 5,500 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) were identified along the transmission corridor, with about 2,000 covered in the ongoing phase.
She explained that clearing the Right of Way is a critical step in transmission development, ensuring safety, protecting infrastructure, and enabling smooth project execution.
Sobo commended community leaders and traditional institutions for their role in sensitising residents on the importance of the project and facilitating the compensation process. She also acknowledged the support of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, as well as funding support from the African Development Bank.
In his remarks, the District Head of Rigasa, Arc. Muhammed Aminu Idris, said the process had been largely transparent and inclusive, noting that while it may be difficult to satisfy every stakeholder fully, TCN had demonstrated commitment to engagement and fairness.
He expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve electricity supply and drive socio-economic development across Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano.
The compensation exercise began with a screening and verification process, during which claimants presented original documents for authentication before payment. TCN said the approach was designed to ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries were compensated, in line with due process and accountability standards.
Some beneficiaries who spoke during the exercise commended the company for the transparent conduct. Mallam Lawal Abubakar described the initiative as timely, while Shehu Muhammad and Muhammad Lawal expressed appreciation and pledged continued cooperation from their communities.
The transmission line project will run from the Mando Transmission Substation in Kaduna State to the Rimin Zakara Transmission Substation in Kano State, with a Turn-In Turn-Out (TITO) connection at the new 2x150MVA 330/132/33kV substation in Jaja, Zaria.
Supported by the Federal Government and the African Development Bank, the project is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network, improve grid reliability, and increase electricity wheeling capacity.
Industry experts say the project is expected to enhance power supply to key industrial and commercial hubs in Northern Nigeria, particularly along the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano corridor.
TCN noted that the compensation exercise would continue in phases until all affected persons are duly paid, paving the way for full project implementation.
