TCN commences reconstruction of Alaoji-Owerri-Onitsha 330kV transmission line

…As FG, AfDB compensate host communities

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced the full-scale implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the reconstruction of the 138 kilometre Alaoji-Owerri-Onitsha 330kV transmission line.

This follows the successful disbursement of approximately ₦10 billion in compensation to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Imo and Abia states.

According to Eze Ugochukwu, Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Public Communication, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, facilitated the release of the counterpart funds, a move officials said had stalled the project since 2019, due to non-release by previous administrations.

The compensation exercise was conducted between March 31 and April 2, 2026, covering eight local government areas within Abia and Imo states.

Aromeh Adole, Assistant General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) for TCN, speaking in Owerri, noted that the project would upgrade the existing single-circuit line to a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line.

It is expected to increase transmission capacity by four times, fundamentally transforming bulk power delivery in the South East.

He also disclosed that over 1,200 persons in Imo State and 702 in Abia State have been compensated, with recipients given a 90-day grace period to vacate the Right of Way.

Adole further solicited community support, appealing against vandalism, theft of construction materials, and kidnapping of staff to ensure the project’s success.

Edeh Obiora Alexander, Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1), commended President Tinubu and Sule Abdulaziz, TCN Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer for their leadership.

He stated that the upgrade would significantly increase electricity volume transmitted to the Alaoji and Port Harcourt axes, Abia State, Imo State, and the entire South East region, while also reducing transmission losses and enhancing grid reliability.

The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.