The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned new 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines in Edo State, adding over 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity evacuation capacity to the national grid and strengthening power supply across the country.
The project, inaugurated on May 14, 2026, at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, links the Ihovbor facility to the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission route, creating additional pathways for efficient power delivery.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, described the development as a significant milestone in enhancing Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improving grid reliability.
“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz said.
According to him, the 14-kilometre double-circuit line establishes two new transmission routes, enabling more efficient evacuation of electricity generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
“It grants TCN the ability to more efficiently evacuate power, alleviate transmission bottlenecks, and enhance overall system reliability,” he added.
Abdulaziz further disclosed that the new infrastructure has increased evacuation capacity by 600MW, allowing distribution companies to access more bulk electricity for onward supply to industrial and residential consumers nationwide.
The transmission line, which was energised on April 23, 2026, has already been integrated into the grid, with electricity distribution companies beginning to benefit from improved supply capacity.
Reiterating TCN’s role in the power value chain, the CEO noted that the company is responsible for transmitting electricity from generation companies to distribution load centres.
“Our job is to transmit power from generators to load centres. It is the responsibility of distribution companies to distribute to end users. With this project, more bulk power is now available for Nigerians,” he explained.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, revealed that the project comprises 30 transmission towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from the Azura and NIPP plants.
He attributed the successful completion of the project to strong collaboration between TCN and its partners.
Earlier, General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Mojid Akintola, noted that although the project was awarded in 2017, it encountered setbacks related to right-of-way and funding, which have now been resolved.
Similarly, General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi, stated that the project significantly increases wheeling capacity in the region, reiterating that TCN operates strictly as a bulk electricity transporter and does not distribute power directly to consumers.
Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka, Mr. Elliot Imafido commended TCN for the project but appealed for improved electricity supply to the host community and greater employment opportunities for indigenes.
The commissioning marks another step in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network and improve electricity delivery nationwide.
