By Olumide Adebayo, Nigerian CEO Magazine
Nigeria’s electricity transmission backbone has long faced daunting challenges, from vandalism of critical infrastructure to aging assets and funding constraints. Yet, under the leadership of Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the organisation is making notable strides in stabilising and expanding the national grid.
Securing the Grid Against Threats
Abdulaziz explained that TCN’s security strategy is multi-layered. Cybersecurity measures such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and continuous monitoring are being deployed to protect control networks. On the physical side, CCTV installations, barriers, drones, and access control systems are being rolled out, alongside close collaboration with national security agencies.
Expanding Grid Capacity
Between January 2024 and April 2025, TCN commissioned 70 power transformers nationwide, adding a combined capacity of 7,326.50 MVA. These projects included upgrades at substations such as Ashaka, Kainji, Ajaokuta, and Jebba, as well as nationwide reconductoring programmes to replace aged conductors and reduce technical losses.
Tackling Reliability and Stability
Despite progress, challenges remain. Frequent system downtimes—often described as grid collapses—underscore the need for resilience. Abdulaziz highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP) and Service Level Agreement (SLA) projects funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which are driving infrastructure upgrades and voltage control installations.
Policy Gaps and Needed Reforms
Abdulaziz stressed that policy clarity is essential. He called for streamlined Right of Way acquisition, faster clearance of power equipment at ports, and stronger legislation to deter vandalism. “Laws must impose strict penalties, including life imprisonment, on individuals caught vandalising power infrastructure,” he said, underscoring the urgency of protecting national assets.
Combating Vandalism
The scale of vandalism is alarming. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 27 incidents affected 109 transmission towers across regions including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Shiroro. Yet, progress is being made. Community engagement, media sensitisation campaigns, and collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have led to arrests and prosecutions of vandals. Host communities are increasingly acting as TCN’s “eyes on the ground,” helping to safeguard installations.
Looking Ahead
For Abdulaziz, the fight against vandalism and the push for grid expansion are inseparable. “This is a fight we must win for our grid expansion programme to deliver the targeted results,” he affirmed. With continued investment, stronger policies, and community collaboration, TCN is positioning Nigeria’s transmission network for greater stability and reliability—critical foundations for economic growth and improved livelihoods.