TCN, AfDB Begin Fresh Compensation For Communities Affected By Alaoji-Onitsha Power Project
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Nigeria pushes to strengthen its electricity transmission network, efforts are also being made to cushion the impact of major infrastructure projects on affected communities through compensation and livelihood support.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced the second phase of compensation under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Programme for the Alaoji-Onitsha Transmission Line Project.
The compensation exercise, held from 12 to 13 May 2026, covered Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Abia and Imo States, with the official flag-off taking place in Imo State.
The project involves the upgrade of the existing 138-kilometre 330kV Single Circuit transmission line to a 330kV Double Circuit Quad Conductor configuration from Alaoji to Onitsha.
Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, represented by the Assistant General Manager and Project Manager, AfDB/NTEP-1, Engr. Omobola Odusoga-Bola, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the implementation of the project and ensuring timely compensation for affected persons.
He explained that the current phase focuses on compensating individuals whose crops are located within the transmission corridor, following an earlier phase where owners of affected structures received compensation.
The TCN boss also disclosed that the company is implementing a Livelihood Restoration Programme for petty traders operating along the right of way.
According to him, 210 small business owners have been identified within the TCN corridor, while 64 beneficiaries from 32 communities will receive vocational training and start-up support in areas such as tailoring, shoemaking, catering, ICT, auto mechanics and electrical installation.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of PGM Nigeria Limited and Project Consultant, Mr Bassey Uzodimma, described the initiative as a demonstration of TCN’s commitment to responsible project execution and community engagement.
He urged community leaders to protect the interests of beneficiaries and ensure the programme delivers lasting economic value.
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