Nigeria is taking a decisive step to strengthen its electricity transmission network, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), moves forward with the upgrade of the Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.
The project, spanning 138 kilometres across south eastern Nigeria, will transform the existing single-circuit infrastructure into a modern double-circuit quad-conductor transmission system.
This upgrade is expected to increase transmission capacity by up to four times, significantly improving efficiency and addressing long-standing bottlenecks in bulk power delivery.
As part of the project’s early implementation phase, TCN has commenced the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), including the acquisition and clearing of the Right of Way (RoW). Also major milestone has been reached with the successful compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) across Abia and Imo States.
The compensation exercise, conducted between March 31 and April 2, 2026, covered eight Local Government Areas, ensuring compliance with international environmental and social safeguards.
The Assistant General Manager (Health, Safety, and Environment) of the AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Mr. Aromeh Adole, confirmed that affected residents have been given a 90-day grace period to vacate the RoW, paving the way for construction to begin.
Highlighting the project’s significance, Adole stated that “the transition from a single-circuit to a double-circuit quad-conductor line would fundamentally transform electricity transmission in the region.”
“The existing line is a single circuit, while the new line will deliver four times that capacity,” he said, adding that completion is expected within 18 months’ he added.
Also, the Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1), Edeh Obiora Alexander, noted that the Nigerian Government’s timely release of counterpart funding ensured that all PAPs were compensated fairly and promptly.
He commended the leadership of TCN and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in driving the initiative forward.
According to the project official, the upgrade will significantly increase the volume of electricity transmitted to key demand centres, including the Alaoji and Port Harcourt axes, as well as the broader South East region.
He said; ‘”The adoption of double-circuit quad-conductors is also expected to reduce transmission losses and enhance overall grid reliability critical factors for both industrial productivity and household power supply.
“The project forms part of the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1), a wider effort to modernise the country’s ageing grid infrastructure and improve electricity delivery nationwide”
The Alaoji–Onitsha upgrade reflects a broader trend across emerging economies, where investments in transmission infrastructure are increasingly prioritised to unlock generation capacity, integrate renewable energy, and support sustainable economic growth.
Development finance institutions such as the AfDB continue to play a vital role in supporting these initiatives, ensuring adherence to global best practices.
With completion projected within 18 months, the upgraded transmission line is expected to enhance grid resilience, reduce outages, and expand electricity access key drivers for investor confidence and regional economic integration across West Africa.
