'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in a significant stride towards bolstering Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, commissioned a newly installed 110MVA power transformer at the Isolo 132/33KV Transmission Substation in Lagos on January 16, 2025. This milestone marks a critical enhancement to the national grid, reinforcing the government's commitment to improving electricity supply across the country.
Chief Adelabu praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for financing the project under the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). He commended TCN's diligence in executing the project, highlighting its far-reaching economic implications, including improved electricity supply to critical areas in Lagos, reduction of operational challenges, and stimulation of economic growth through job creation and enhanced industrial productivity.
According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), as of December 2024, Nigeria's total installed electricity generation capacity was around 13,000 MW, with an available capacity of around 8,000 MW due to various constraints such as gas supply shortages, transmission infrastructure limitations, and distribution challenges.
Hence, with the commissioning of the new 110MVA power transformer at the Isolo Transmission Substation in Lagos, which added 88MW to the national grid, the total available capacity would be around 8,088 MW.
The Isolo substation, now equipped with a total capacity of 184MW, will transmit power to key areas within the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company's (IKEDC) network, such as Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Isolo Local Council, and Afprint. This improvement is expected to boost residential, commercial, and industrial power reliability in these areas, fostering development and economic stability.
The Honourable Minister also acknowledged the challenges facing the transmission sector, including aging infrastructure, grid disturbances, and vandalism. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to address these issues through reinforced operating procedures, maintenance plans, and long-term strategies for grid expansion and modernization. "Energy is the backbone of economic growth," Adelabu stated, emphasizing its role in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his address, TCN’s MD/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Sule A. Abdulaziz, emphasized the transformative impact of the project, which adds 88MW to the substation’s capacity. He noted that this is the first SLA transformer project completed and energized by TCN, demonstrating the company’s dedication to strengthening the national grid. He also called for collective action against infrastructure vandalism, stressing its detrimental impact on grid stability.
This commissioning is part of TCN’s broader efforts to install and energize over 42 power transformers nationwide in 2024, a testament to the government’s strategic focus on resolving Nigeria’s power challenges.
The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; MD of EKO Disco, Mrs. Rekhiat Mohmoh; CEO of Ikeja Electric, Mrs. Folake Soetan; and His Royal Highness, the Oba of Mushin, Oba Fatai Ayinla Aileru. The event also drew key stakeholders, government officials, and members of the press, reflecting the significance of the occasion in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.
