TCN Commissions 330kV Lines in Edo to Boost Power Transmission Capacity
By Core Reporters
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned the newly constructed Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation in Edo State.
The commissioning ceremony, held on May 14, 2026, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improving nationwide grid reliability.
Speaking at the event, TCN Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, described the project as a major boost to the country’s power evacuation capacity and operational flexibility.
According to him, the 14-kilometre double-circuit transmission line connects the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV line to the Ihovbor substation, creating two additional routes that enhance resilience within the Benin transmission corridor.
“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz stated.
He added that the project would enable TCN to evacuate more electricity generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) facility, reduce transmission bottlenecks, and improve overall system reliability.
Abdulaziz disclosed that the project adds about 600 megawatts of transmission evacuation capacity, giving electricity distribution companies access to more bulk power for industrial and residential consumers nationwide.
He noted that the transmission line was energised on April 23, 2026, and has already been supplying electricity through the national grid.
“Our responsibility is to transmit power from generating companies to distribution load centres. Distribution companies are responsible for taking the power to end users. With this project, they now have access to more bulk electricity for industries and homes,” he said.
The TCN boss reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure to meet current electricity demand and future growth while urging host communities to help protect power installations from vandalism.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, said the project involved the construction of 30 transmission towers and the installation of twin Bison conductors capable of transmitting up to 1.5 gigawatts of electricity from the NIPP and Azura power plants.
He attributed the successful completion of the project to the strong collaboration between TCN and Energo Nigeria.
The General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Mojid Akintola, revealed that the project was initially awarded in 2017 but experienced delays due to right-of-way and funding challenges, which have now been resolved.
Akintola commended the Ihovbor host community, Energo Nigeria, and the entire TCN management team, especially the MD/CEO, for their support toward the successful completion of the project.
On his part, the General Manager of TCN’s Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi, stated that the project increases wheeling capacity in the region by more than 600MW.
He clarified that TCN only transmits bulk electricity and does not distribute power directly to consumers, noting that electricity distribution companies interface with end users.
Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka, Mr. Elliot Imafido praised TCN for executing the project but appealed for improved electricity supply to the host community and greater employment opportunities for local residents.
