By Grace Sambe - Jauro
As Nigeria’s power sector advances through critical reforms, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN is steadfast in its efforts in fostering transparency and build a reliable energy future. Serving as the vital middleman in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, (NESI), TCN role has often been misconstrued, necessitating a robust engagement with media stakeholders to drive trust as well as collaboration in the ongoing power sector reforms.
In a recent three-day workshop for energy correspondents, held from Tuesday, 17th – Thursday, 19th June 2025 in Keffi, Nasarawa State, themed: “Understanding the Critical Role of TCN in Nigeria's Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),”, TCN emphasized its resolve to maintain open lines of communication with the media as a critical stakeholder in shaping public perception and understanding of the challenges and achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the Company, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Abdulaziz, dispelled long-standing misconceptions about TCN’s position in the electricity value chain, noting that while the TCN is currently capable of wheeling over 8,700MW, actual power delivery to distribution companies is hindered by downstream distribution limitations.
Represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP), Engr. Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, Abdulaziz highlighted TCN's Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which prioritises strategic infrastructure investments and aligns project execution with national electricity demand. He further stated that infrastructure security is now being addressed in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national power assets.
Presenting updates on project execution, Engr. Amin Tahir, the General Manager, Project Coordination who doubles as Technical Assistant to the MD/CEO, revealed that TCN’s Project Implementation Unit is actively overseeing projects funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). He noted that these projects have so far added 5,910 MVA of transformer capacity to the grid, strengthening Nigeria’s transmission capability.
Tahir, who maintained that “the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Lagos and Ogun Projects are at advanced procurement stages”, however, acknowledged challenges such as right-of-way issues and delays in counterpart funding. He assured that TCN remains committed to timely project delivery.
In his presentation on vandalism and infrastructure protection, the General Manager, Transmission Services, Engr. Ali Sharifai delivered a sobering report on the devastating impact of vandalism on the transmission network. With over 16,000 kilometres of high-voltage lines and 41,000 towers across Nigeria, TCN serves as the backbone of the NESI.
He stressed that vandalism not only causes blackouts but also incurs high repair costs and delays grid expansion projects. To combat this, TCN is engaging communities, partnering with state governments, enhancing collaboration with security agencies, and conducting widespread sensitisation campaigns to protect power infrastructure.
On his part, the General Manager, Material Control Stores (MCS), Engr. Abdulkadir Adamu discussed TCN’s efforts to decentralise and enhance its logistics and material supply framework. He announced that, beyond the central store in Ojo, Lagos, the company has established zonal stores in Kaduna and Onitsha to support the timely delivery of materials for maintenance and expansion works.
He added that these stores are currently stocked with critical spares and equipment—including transformers, circuit breakers, and heavy-duty haulage units—thereby reducing downtime and accelerating response to technical faults.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, highlighted the importance of building a well-informed media that can accurately report on developments in the power sector. She noted that the workshop was designed not only to share updates on TCN’s activities but also to encourage mutual understanding and trust between the company and the media. She described the media as a bridge between industry operations and public perception, and expressed hope that the sessions would foster deeper engagement going forward.
A major focus of the workshop was the recent unbundling of TCN, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) as a separate entity. This development was presented by Engr. Godwin Afam Aguiyi, Assistant General Manager, Risk Management and Special Assistant to the MD/CEO of TCN.
Engr. Aguiyi explained that NISO now manages system and market operations independently, while TCN retains its role as the Transmission Service Provider (TSP). This separation, he said, is in line with the 2023 Electricity Act and is expected to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sector transparency.
Lauding the event, the Chairman of the Energy Reporters in Abuja, Mr. Obas Esiedesa, said that the workshop was designed with rich, informative content and engaging sessions, while assuring that the knowledge gained would enhance accurate and balanced reporting on TCN’s operations and the broader power sector.
The workshop concluded with a tour of the Keffi Transmission Substation.