TCN commissions Ihovbor transmission lines to boost power evacuation

Business, Technology

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful commissioning of the turn-in-turn-out connections for the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission lines, a development expected to enhance power evacuation capacity and improve grid stability.

According to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, the commissioning was completed at 19:05 hours on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. The new connections deliver the Ihovbor corridor and provide additional evacuation capacity for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and Azura Power.

Currently, the Ihovbor/Benin transmission line is transmitting 200MW, while the Ihovbor/Ajaokuta line is transmitting 90MW.

TCN noted that the project will strengthen power evacuation from the Ihovbor generating plant, improve reliability in the affected regions, and contribute to overall grid stability.

The commissioning forms part of Nigeria’s broader national grid expansion plan, which aims to increase transmission capacity, reduce system collapses, and support the integration of new generation sources into the grid. With rising electricity demand across the country, projects like Ihovbor are critical to ensuring that generated power is efficiently evacuated and delivered to consumers, thereby reducing reliance on unstable distribution networks and improving overall energy security.

The Company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure nationwide to support Nigeria’s growing electricity needs and ensure efficient delivery of power to consumers.

Nigeria’s transmission grid currently struggles to wheel more than 5,000–6,000MW reliably, despite installed generation capacity of over 13,000MW. By 2026, transmission capacity is projected to rise to about 10,000MW, while national demand is estimated at 20,000MW — highlighting the urgent need for projects like Ihovbor to close the gap.