The upgraded facility is expected to provide more stable and reliable electricity to at least 70,000 residents in Alausa and neighbouring communities through the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC)
Moses Okorie
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned a new 100MVA, 132/33kV power transformer at the Alausa Transmission Substation in Lagos, in a move aimed at increasing bulk power availability and improving electricity reliability across Ikeja and its surrounding areas.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, who performed the commissioning on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the project represents a strategic investment in one of Lagos State’s most important administrative, commercial and economic corridors.
The new transformer replaces the substation’s existing 30MVA transformer, raising its total installed capacity from 135MVA to 205MVA.
Speaking at the event, TCN Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and support the growing electricity needs of Nigerians.
He explained that the project was executed by Shanghai Electric Ltd under a World Bank-funded programme that commenced in January 2021.
According to him, the upgraded facility is expected to provide more stable and reliable electricity to at least 70,000 residents in Alausa and neighbouring communities through the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
Abdulaziz added that the increased capacity would enable TCN to wheel more bulk electricity to distribution load centres, thereby supporting improved electricity supply to consumers within IKEDC’s franchise area.
He described the development as another demonstration of TCN’s commitment to building a stronger transmission network capable of supporting Nigeria’s expanding electricity demand.
Also speaking, Minister Tegbe said the significance of the project goes beyond the installation of another transformer, noting that Alausa serves a densely populated area with government offices, businesses, industries, markets and residential communities.
He disclosed that the intervention would increase the quantum of bulk power available to IKEDC by 80MW, describing the additional capacity as significant for economic activities and livelihoods across the area.
“Behind these numbers are businesses, industries, hospitals, schools, offices, markets, technology companies, malls, artisans and people whose livelihoods depend upon electricity,” the minister said.
Tegbe said the Alausa upgrade is part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to tackle transmission constraints nationwide.
He explained that the approach involves identifying transmission bottlenecks, investing in critical infrastructure, expanding substation capacity, reinforcing transmission corridors and replacing ageing equipment.
The minister commended TCN for undertaking the project and recognised the contributions of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and IKEDC to the electricity value chain.
He also praised Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited for executing the project and commended the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for its support and partnership.
Tegbe reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued investment in Nigeria’s electricity sector, stressing that strengthening transmission infrastructure remains essential to delivering available power more efficiently to electricity consumers.
The ceremony concluded with the formal commissioning of the 100MVA transformer and its associated facilities, marking another milestone in efforts to expand transmission capacity and improve electricity supply in Lagos State.