By Damilare Adeleye
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the reconstruction and upgrade of the 138-kilometre Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.
The initiative includes the acquisition and clearing of the Right of Way (RoW), marking a major step toward strengthening electricity transmission capacity across Nigeria’s South-East corridor.
The project is designed to upgrade the existing single-circuit line to a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line, an improvement expected to significantly enhance grid capacity, efficiency, and reliability.
As part of the implementation process, compensation was paid to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) between March 31 and April 2, 2026, across sections of the transmission corridor in Abia State and Imo State, covering eight Local Government Areas.
The Assistant General Manager (Health, Safety, and Environment) for the AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Aromeh Adole, confirmed that following the disbursement of compensation, affected persons have been given a 90-day grace period to vacate the Right of Way.
Highlighting the importance of the upgrade, Adole noted that the transition from a single-circuit to a double-circuit quad-conductor line would deliver up to four times the existing transmission capacity.
“The existing line is a single circuit, while the new line will deliver four times that capacity, fundamentally transforming bulk power delivery in the South-East,” he said, adding that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Also speaking, Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1) under the TCN-AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Edeh Obiora Alexander, who represented the General Manager, Programme Coordination, Engr. Aminu Tahir, commended the Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, for his leadership in advancing the project.
He also lauded Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely release of funds, noting that the Federal Government provided counterpart funding to ensure that all affected persons were compensated fairly and promptly.
Alexander explained that the upgraded transmission line would significantly increase the volume of electricity transmitted, improving power supply to the Alaoji and Port Harcourt axes, Abia State, and the wider South-East region.
In addition, the transition to double-circuit quad-conductors is expected to reduce transmission losses and enhance overall grid stability, ensuring more reliable electricity delivery to both industrial and residential users.
The project forms a critical part of TCN’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s national grid, improve energy distribution, and support economic growth through more stable and efficient power supply across key regions.