Nigeria is embarking on a significant upgrade of its power transmission infrastructure, aiming to increase capacity from the current 8,500 megawatts (MW) to 10,000 MW by the end of 2024. This ambitious target, announced by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is part of a broader strategy to enhance electricity supply and improve grid efficiency across the country. This expansion is crucial to accommodate the nation’s growing energy demands and pave the way for more reliable power distribution. This development follows a milestone achieved in March 2025, when Nigeria recorded its highest peak power generation of 5,801.84 MW, underscoring the urgent need for increased transmission capacity to effectively deliver this power to consumers.
Several initiatives are driving this transmission capacity expansion. World Bank-funded projects have already added 6,000 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of transmission capacity to the grid, with an additional 3,000 MVA currently in progress. Other notable projects include the new Kano-Kaduna 330 kilovolt (kV) direct current (DC) transmission line, the Zaria 330kV substation, and the 132kV substation in Jaji, Kaduna State, all funded by the African Development Bank. These projects represent significant investments in modernizing and expanding the transmission network, ensuring that generated power can be efficiently transmitted to distribution centers nationwide.
The Presidential Power Initiative, a collaboration with Siemens, is also playing a vital role in bolstering transmission capacity. This initiative has already delivered 10 mobile substations, seven of which have been installed, along with 10 transformers of various ratings connected to the grid. Phase 1B of the Siemens project, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), will focus on reinforcing seven existing transmission substations, further increasing capacity. Future phases of this initiative are already under consideration, signaling a long-term commitment to upgrading the nation’s power infrastructure. The FGN Power Company, a special purpose vehicle, is responsible for implementing the Presidential Power Initiative, ensuring efficient execution and coordination.
To enhance grid stability and prevent cascading failures, TCN has developed the Generation Load Drop Sensitivity system. This system acts as a safeguard, detecting and responding to sudden drops in power generation. Furthermore, all TCN substations have been digitized and automated, and an in-house Internet of Things (IoT) solution has been deployed to improve the visibility of power generators, expanding monitoring from 6 to 27 locations. These measures demonstrate a proactive approach to grid management, ensuring reliability and responsiveness in the face of potential disruptions. This interim solution is bridging the gap until the completion of the World Bank-funded Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project, which is currently 69% complete.
The SCADA project, a crucial component of the grid modernization efforts, promises to revolutionize real-time monitoring and grid efficiency. Funded by the World Bank’s $486 million Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP), the SCADA system will enable operators to quickly identify and address faults, significantly improving response times and minimizing disruptions. Once fully implemented, SCADA will obviate the need for manual fault tracking and reliance on phone calls for grid status updates, marking a significant leap towards a more modern and efficient grid management system. This enhanced visibility and control will be instrumental in optimizing grid performance and ensuring a more reliable power supply.
While the focus on traditional power generation and transmission infrastructure upgrades remains paramount, Nigeria is also exploring renewable energy integration, particularly solar power. Projects are underway in all 19 northern states, aiming to harness the region’s abundant sunlight to generate 100 MW of solar power per state. However, integrating renewable energy sources presents challenges to grid stability. Studies have shown that only up to 10% of the total load can be sourced from solar power without causing grid instability. This requires careful planning and management to ensure a balanced energy mix and maintain grid reliability as renewable energy sources are incorporated. The government is also exploring the development of a ‘Super Grid’ with Chinese investors, aiming to create a more robust and resilient transmission network capable of redirecting power instantly in case of faults. This forward-looking approach demonstrates a commitment to long-term grid modernization and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.
