National grid can transmit more power than Nigeria generates – TCN Boss

…says vandalism, sabotage of transmission infrastructure, undermining investments in the power sector

Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has revealed that the national grid currently possesses far more capacity than the country actually generates.

Abdulaziz, who spoke at the parliamentary/stakeholder engagement summit on ‘Power Sector Reforms in Nigeria’ on Monday, said there was a need to address a common misconception: that transmission is the primary constraint in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

He explained that unlocking Nigeria’s full generation potential requires coordinated investments across the entire value chain, adding that while TCN has expanded transmission capacity to 8,700MW, increased generation dispatch, adequate energy supply to power plants, and stronger distribution networks remain essential to delivering more electricity to consumers.

Citing the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s February 2026 operational factsheet, Abdulaziz said that Nigeria’s installed generation capacity is 13,625MW. However, the highest power ever generated and delivered to the national grid was 5,801.84MW, recorded on 4th March 2025.

He added that on the same day, TCN also achieved a record daily energy delivery of 128,370.75MWh. Meanwhile, TCN’s transmission wheeling capacity stands at 8,700MW.

“The implication is clear: the national grid can currently transmit significantly more power than has ever been generated and supplied to it. TCN has consistently wheeled all available generation, demonstrating that the transmission network is ready to support higher levels of electricity delivery.

“On March 4, 2025, the national grid achieved a historic peak transmission record of 5,801.84MW and a record daily energy delivery of 128,370.75 MWh—the highest ever recorded in Nigeria’s electricity industry. These milestones underscore the growing strength and reliability of the transmission network,” he said.

He explained that over the past few years, TCN has expanded the nation’s bulk wheeling capacity from about 7,000MW to 8,700MW, adding 1,700MW of transmission capability through strategic investments supported by the Federal Government and development partners.

According to Abdulaziz, between January 2024 and November 2025, TCN commissioned 82 transformers, adding approximately 8,500MVA of transformation capacity nationwide, while also delivering key substations and transmission line projects that have improved grid reliability, redundancy, and operational flexibility across all geopolitical zones.

He also disclosed that TCN has mobilised over US$1.4 billion in development financing from the World Bank, AfDB, JICA, and AFD to support transmission expansion and modernisation projects nationwide.

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“In parallel, the company is advancing grid digitalisation through the implementation of a nationwide SCADA system, which will provide real-time network visibility, faster fault management, improved dispatch efficiency, and the foundation for future smart-grid operations.

“These achievements demonstrate TCN’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure, enhancing grid reliability, and positioning the sector to support future growth in electricity generation and delivery,” he added.

Funding crisis, FX pressures stalling critical transmission expansion projects

Abdulaziz also decried that while TCN has several critical projects ready for implementation, financing constraints, foreign exchange pressures, and counterpart funding requirements continue to affect project timelines.

He emphasised that the long-term sustainability of the sector depends on a financially viable electricity market, which he said must be supported by cost-reflective tariffs, improved revenue collection, stronger payment discipline, and a stable regulatory environment that encourages investment.

Abfulaziz also decried that vandalism and sabotage of transmission infrastructure have continued to disrupt power supply, increase repair costs, and undermine investments in the sector.

He said that protecting electricity infrastructure requires stronger security measures, community cooperation, and stricter legal deterrents.

Persistent encroachment on transmission Rights-of-Way, according to him, creates safety risks, hinders maintenance activities, and constrains future network expansion. “This calls for coordinated action among federal, state, and local authorities, supported by a stronger legal framework. Expanding the grid to support Nigeria’s long-term electricity needs requires substantial capital investment.

Abdulaziz noted that challenges are sector-wide and require coordinated action by government, regulators, security agencies, market participants, communities, and development partners, adding that TCN remains committed to playing its part in building a stronger, more reliable, and more resilient electricity sector for Nigeria.