The Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has commissioned the newly installed 110MVA power transformer and 3x 33kV feeder bays at the Isolo Transmission Substation in Lagos State, south-west Nigeria.
The Minister who commissioned the project in Lagos noted that the occasion was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the President Tinubu-led administration to strengthening Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure to enhance power delivery to the citizens.
The project was sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). It is the first SLA transformer project completed and energised by TCN.
Thanking the CBN for the sponsorship, Adelabu commended TCN for its diligence and dedication in completing the project.
According to the Minister, the present administration of Renewed Hope recognises that energy is not merely a commodity, but also the backbone of economic growth and job creation, hence it is implementing a multi-pronged approach to address bottlenecks across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) value chain, setting the sector on a path toward bankability and long-term sustainability.
He however noted the challenges bedeviling the sector, especially at the transmission segment of the value chain, vowing that his Ministry would close ranks with TCN to resolve the issues to ensure energy security and sustainability across the country.
Last year, we recorded frequent grid disturbances and dip in supply level due to various reported factors which include aging infrastructure, resource limitations, capacity inadequacy across the value chain, and predominantly the consistent vandalism experienced on the transmission networks across the country.
“The Federal Ministry of Power under my leadership is always ready to work actively with TCN to resolve the issues to ensure energy security and sustainability across the country.
“And as part of short-term measures, we encourage TCN to have in place a reinforced standard operating procedure for the system, detailed and enforced maintenance plans at the key transmission substations, consistent line tracing especially on lines that are tripping incessantly and critical lines, and assessment of key nodes integrity to prevent future disturbances.
“For our long-term strategies, we plan to work with TCN to complete all ongoing projects and to invest in regional and super grid projects that will enable a more robust and resilient grid system.
“We remain optimistic about the promise and the potential the sector holds to drive socio-economic development in the country, and we believe we shall overcome these challenges through active participation of all stakeholders,” Adelabu said.
In his welcome address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,(MD/CEO) of TCN Engr Sule Abdulaziz said, “We are proud of this achievement, as every successfully completed and energised project brings us closer to realizing a robust and stable grid system.
“The 110MVA power transformer was successfully energized on December 20th, 2024, contributing an additional 88MW to the substation’s capacity, bringing it to a total of 184MW. This enhancement significantly boosts the substation’s ability to provide improved electricity supply to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
“As a result, IKEDC will be able to transmit more power to critical areas within its network, including Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Isolo Local Council, PTC, Afprint, Idi-Araba, Aswani, and Pure Hygiene, leading to enhanced power availability and reliability for both residential and commercial consumers in these areas.”
He disclosed that TCN installed and energised over 42 Power transformers in several TCN substations nationwide, in 2024 alone, thanking the federal government, and the Minister in particular for supporting the course and urging all stakeholders to join TCN in the fight against power installation vandalism.
“Our journey to a robust grid would be significantly accelerated if vandals did not destroy existing infrastructure,” Abdulaziz noted.
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