The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced implementation of its Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the upgrade of the 138km Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line, a project designed to expand the national grid.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), will transform the existing single-circuit line into a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line, boosting efficiency and capacity.
“The existing line is a single circuit, while the new line will deliver four times that capacity, fundamentally transforming bulk power delivery in the South East,” said Aromeh Adole, Assistant General Manager (Health, Safety, and Environment) for the AfDB Project Implementation Unit.
Between March 31 and April 2, 2026, compensation was paid to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) across eight Local Government Areas in Abia and Imo states.
Adole confirmed that PAPs have been given a 90-day grace period to vacate the Right of Way (RoW). The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Acting Project Manager Engr. Edeh Obiora Alexander, representing TCN’s General Manager Program Coordination, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely release of counterpart funding.
“The Federal Government provided the counterpart funding to ensure that all PAPs were compensated fairly and promptly,” Alexander said, while also thanking TCN’s MD/CEO Engr. (Dr.) Sule Abdulaziz for his leadership.
Broader Power Sector Context
The upgrade will improve electricity supply to Alaoji, Port Harcourt, Abia State, and the wider South East region, while reducing transmission losses and enhancing reliability.
The project aligns with President Tinubu’s approval of a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan to settle legacy debts in Nigeria’s power sector.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the plan covers debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025.
“Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution,” Onanuga said in a statement.
So far, 15 power generation companies have signed settlement agreements valued at ₦2.3 trillion, with ₦223 billion already disbursed.
The urgency of these reforms is underscored by recent grid collapses in January 2026, when power dropped to near zero megawatts nationwide due to aging infrastructure and system disturbances.
Alaoji–Onitsha upgrade could serve as a model for future transmission projects across Nigeria.
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