By Ibrahim Adeyemi, Nigerian CEO Magazine
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is quietly but decisively reshaping the country’s power sector. Under the leadership of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, the company has embraced collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission backbone and deliver results that once seemed out of reach.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Collaboration
Abdulaziz’s management philosophy is built on transparency and teamwork. By empowering staff and fostering a culture of ownership, TCN has achieved milestones such as the installation and energisation of nearly 75 transformers across Nigeria in 2024. His approach has also redefined relationships with Distribution Companies (DisCos), treating them as partners rather than counterparts, which has improved efficiency across the sector.
This collaborative spirit has attracted the confidence of global donor agencies including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Their support has enabled TCN to execute capital-intensive projects nationwide, reinforcing the grid and expanding capacity.
Expanding Transmission Capacity
To meet Nigeria’s growing energy demand, TCN is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy:
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Infrastructure upgrades through substation projects and reconductoring of aged lines.
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Digital transformation, including a Grievance Redress Mechanism to streamline project delivery.
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Donor-funded initiatives, which have already added 5,910 MVA of transformer capacity to the grid.
Projects such as the AFD-funded Abuja Feeding Scheme and the World Bank’s Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP) are advancing steadily, despite challenges like funding delays and right-of-way disputes.
Tackling Challenges Head-On
TCN faces persistent obstacles, including vandalism of transmission corridors, ageing infrastructure, and limited government funding. Abdulaziz has responded with community sensitisation campaigns, partnerships with security agencies, and advocacy for stronger legislation. At the same time, donor-backed projects and public-private partnerships are helping modernise equipment and expand capacity.
Integrating Renewable Energy
Nigeria’s renewable energy potential is vast, and TCN is ensuring the grid can accommodate it. By building transmission lines and substations in strategic locations, the company is enabling solar farms and other renewable projects to deliver power reliably. This diversification strengthens energy security and supports Nigeria’s climate commitments.
Opening Doors for Private Investment
With nearly 200 priority projects identified and limited government allocations, TCN is actively inviting private sector participation under the Electricity Act 2023. Public-private partnership models such as build-to-transfer are being promoted to accelerate grid expansion and ease funding pressure on the government.
A Vision for the Future
Abdulaziz envisions TCN as a technologically advanced, highly efficient transmission company. With smart grid technologies, reduced losses, and expanded capacity, the target is to achieve 10,000 MW transmission capacity by 2027. Already, TCN has wheeled an all-time peak of 5,802 MW and maintained grid stability for 421 consecutive days – a record achievement in Nigeria’s power sector.
The Outlook of a New Nigeria
For Abdulaziz, TCN’s transformation is part of a broader national renewal. “This is the essence of the new Nigeria,” he says, “a country where institutions fulfill their mandates, where local expertise delivers world-class outcomes, and where public service is guided by vision, accountability, and results.”
From energising industries to lighting up communities, TCN is proving that progress is possible – and that Nigeria’s power sector can be a cornerstone of national development.