Power Boost Incoming: TCN Starts Massive Upgrade Of 138km Alaoji–Onitsha Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has initiated the reconstruction and upgrade of the 138-kilometre Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line, in a move aimed at strengthening electricity supply across the South-East. According to Ireporter Online, the project is being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and includes acquisition and clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) under a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).

TCN stated that the initiative will replace the existing single-circuit line with a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line, significantly increasing the grid’s capacity and efficiency. Aromeh Adole, Assistant General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment at the AfDB Project Implementation Unit, noted that the upgrade would enhance electricity transmission in the region. “The existing line is a single circuit, while the new line will deliver four times that capacity, fundamentally transforming bulk power delivery in the South-East,” Adole said.

Compensation payments were made to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) between March 31 and April 2, 2026, covering communities along the transmission corridor in Abia and Imo states, which spans eight Local Government Areas. Beneficiaries have been granted 90 days to vacate the RoW following the payments.

Engr. Edeh Obiora Alexander, Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1) under the TCN-AfDB Project Implementation Unit, stated that the Federal Government provided counterpart funding to ensure fair and timely compensation. Alexander commended TCN Managing Director Engr. Sule Abdulaziz for his leadership and President Bola Tinubu for approving the prompt release of project funds. The transmission upgrade is expected to be completed within 18 months.

TCN highlighted that the project will substantially improve electricity supply along the Alaoji and Port Harcourt axes, Abia State, and the broader South-East region. Transitioning to double-circuit quad conductors is expected to reduce transmission losses and enhance grid reliability. The company affirmed that the project aligns with its broader strategy to expand the national grid and deliver stable electricity to both industrial and residential consumers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan to settle long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the decision follows a review of legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. According to the statement, 15 power generation companies have signed settlement agreements worth ₦2.3 trillion, while ₦501 billion has been raised to fund the programme, with ₦223 billion already disbursed.

Nigeria’s power sector has faced persistent infrastructure challenges, including frequent grid collapses. Notably, the national grid experienced two major collapses within five days in January 2026, on January 23 and January 27, resulting in nationwide blackouts.