TCN Commissions New 330kV Lines In Edo, Expands Power Evacuation Capacity
Nigeria’s push to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure received a boost on Thursday as the Transmission Company of Nigeria commissioned the newly constructed Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines in Edo State.
The project, commissioned at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, is expected to improve power evacuation, reduce transmission bottlenecks, and enhance electricity reliability across the Benin corridor and beyond.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, described the project as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission network.
He explained that the 14-kilometre double-circuit line connects the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor substation, creating additional transmission routes and improving operational flexibility.
According to him, the project adds about 600MW evacuation capacity, enabling more electricity generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to be transmitted to distribution companies for onward supply to homes and industries nationwide.
Abdulaziz noted that the transmission line, energised on 23 April 2026, has already been serving the grid, with electricity consumers beginning to benefit from the improved network capacity.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, said the project involved the construction of 30 towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura plants.
The General Manager, Engineering, Mojid Akintola, disclosed that although the project was awarded in 2017, challenges relating to funding and right of way delayed completion until now.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of Benin Region, Charles Iwuamadi, clarified that TCN only transmits bulk electricity and does not directly distribute power to consumers.
Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka community, Elliot Imafido commended TCN for the project and appealed for improved electricity supply and employment opportunities for indigenes of the host community.
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