Nigeria’s state-owned electricity transmission utility has expanded its grid capacity in the country’s southern oil hub, in a bid to improve power supply reliability and reduce frequent outages.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced it has added 635 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of transformer capacity across strategic substations in its Port Harcourt transmission region, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Speaking to TCN Transmission News, Engr. Nasiru Bello, General Manager for the Port Harcourt region, said the upgrade represents a major step toward addressing long-standing transmission bottlenecks.”The capacity addition enables the network to wheel significantly more power and improves bulk power delivery to local distribution companies,” Bello said.
Regional Infrastructure Boost
Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, Nigeria struggles with chronic electricity supply issues, often caused by aging grid infrastructure, gas supply disruptions, and transmission constraints. The latest capacity upgrade spans key industrial and urban hubs across the region, including:Port Harcourt: Two substations received a combined 375 MVA in new power transformers; Alaoji & Aba: Upgrades adding 200 MVA to serve industrial and commercial centres in Abia State; Itu: A 60 MVA transformer installation in Akwa Ibom State.
Ongoing Grid Modernisation
Alongside the newly operational capacity, TCN is constructing new substations in Calabar, Ekori, and Obudu, while a major facility at Ogoja is reported to be 90% complete. Plans are also underway to launch construction on a new transmission facility in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Grid operators hope the combined impact of new infrastructure and routine maintenance will lower technical losses, reduce unannounced blackouts, and support economic growth in southern Nigeria.
Add Comment