By Mary Izuaka

 

The federal government on Monday commissioned two upgraded transmission substations in Lagos, providing an additional 208 megawatts of bulk transmission capacity to one of the country’s most economically active corridors.

At Ijora, two new 100MVA transformers lifted the substation’s capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA; an additional 112MW. At Apapa Road, a new Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) added 96MW, replacing an outdoor transformer that had served as a stopgap since the original facility, commissioned in 1985, was decommissioned.

Speaking at the Commissioning, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the upgrades were part of the administration’s response to years of transmission constraints and infrastructure decay.

He described President Bola Tinubu as showing “fearless commitment to addressing the structural constraints that have held our economy back,” linking the upgrade to the administration’s stated goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy.

Mr Tegbe commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the projects, noting that the ministry would continue reinforcing transmission infrastructure nationwide to close the gap between available generation and the capacity to deliver it, a gap officials say has repeatedly stranded power that the grid could not evacuate.

In his address at the Ijora transmission station, the Managing Director/CEO of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, said the Ijora transformer project is another clear demonstration of the federal government’s deliberate investment in critical electricity infrastructure, and a reaffirmation of TCN’s commitment to building a transmission network that can support Nigeria’s growing energy demand.

“As we all know, electricity remains the bedrock of economic growth. Every thriving industrial cluster, commercial district, healthcare facility, educational institution, and household depends on a steady and reliable power supply for optimal performance. In recognition of this, TCN continues to rehabilitate and expand substations and transmission lines to ensure we sustain the capacity and capability to efficiently wheel bulk electricity from generation stations to distribution load centres. We remain resolute in delivering on that mandate through consistent and strategic investments in our network.”

He said the project was funded by the World Bank and executed by Messrs Shanghai Electric Limited, noting that it reflects the value of strategic partnerships in accelerating infrastructure development, and demonstrates the confidence of our development partners in TCN’s vision to build a transmission network capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“The project which the minister will commission today embodies that commitment. Two ageing 30 MVA, 132/33kV transformers have been replaced with two modern 100 MVA, 132/33kV transformers. This has increased the installed transformation capacity at Ijora from 90MVA to 230MVA, representing an additional 140MVA strategically deployed to support the growing electricity demand within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company franchise area.

“This upgrade delivers a more robust transmission substation capable of delivering increased bulk power to Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s load centres. It provides capacity to accommodate future load growth, reduce network constraints, enhance operational flexibility, and improve the reliability of supply to an area that is vital to the commercial and industrial life of Lagos State.

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“The significance of this project extends beyond Ijora. It is part of TCN’s nationwide programme to expand transmission infrastructure and ensure that every incremental megawatt generated can be efficiently evacuated and delivered to distribution load centres. Transmission capacity must remain ahead of the generation curve. That is why TCN will continue to invest in new substations, transformer upgrades, transmission lines, and advanced grid technologies to ensure a stronger, more resilient, and more responsive transmission network,” he said.

He said the Apapa transmission substation project is sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in strategic partnership with the TCN.

He noted that with the installation and energisation of the two new 60MVA power transformers, alongside the deployment of modern Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), the capacity of this substation has tripled, from 60MVA to 180MVA.

This, he said, translates to a significant increase in the quantum of bulk power available for Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to offtake for onward delivery to its customers in Apapa Causeway, Ijora, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa Wharf, Tin Can Island, and other critical commercial zones within EKEDC’s franchise area.

“This has also positively impacted quality of supply, while contributing to the economic productivity of Lagos State and the nation at large,” he added.