The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is a federal government-owned electric utility company established in 2005. It is headquartered in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, and is a member of the West African Power Pool (WAPP). The company supports bulk power supply to Niger, Benin, and Togo under regional power-sharing frameworks.
History
TCN was one of 18 companies unbundled from PHCN during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2005, backed by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSR Act).
- It was incorporated in 2005 and licensed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2006.
- Formed to improve coordination of electricity transmission in Nigeria.
- TCN's role is to transmit power from Generation Companies (GenCos) to Distribution Companies (DisCos).
- TCN’s license includes:
- Electricity transmission
- System operation
- Electricity trading
- It operates under a dual-tier license:
- Transmission Service Provision
- Independent System Operation (ISO)
Operations
TCN is responsible for: - Development and maintenance of Nigeria's transmission infrastructure, including: - High-voltage cables - Transmission towers - Transformers
Mandate Focus Areas
- Use of modern technology
- Rapid project execution
- Operational efficiency
- Replacing outdated equipment and ensuring timely maintenance
Independent System Operator (ISO)
Established in 2021, ISO ensures: - Reliability of transmission grid lines - Technical grid stability - Planning, dispatch, and control of electricity flow
The EPSR Act (Section 267) outlines ISO’s responsibilities as regulated by NERC.
Leadership
TCN is governed by a Board of Directors, including: - Chairman - Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) - Executive Members
Engr. Sule Abdulaziz has served as MD/CEO since 2022.
Transmission Corridors and Projects
NETAP (North Core Transmission Project)
- Connects Nigeria, Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso via 330kV DC line
- Supports SCADA/EMS systems and future Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Lagos/Ogun Transmission Infrastructure
- Addresses growing power demand in Lagos and Ogun
- Aims to increase wheeling capacity by 1,487MW to total 7,000MW
Abuja Transmission Ring Scheme
- Improves power supply to Abuja and surrounding areas
- Includes five project sites across the FCT
Northern Corridor Project
- Upgrades Shiroro-Kaduna line from SC to quad 330kV line
- Constructs substations in:
- Sokoto
- Daura
- Jogana-Kano
- Kaura Namoda
Substations
TCN operates and upgrades substations across Nigeria including:
- FCT: Kukwaba, Katampe, Apo
- Lagos: Alimosho, Ajah, Ejigbo, Ejigbo II
- South South/East: Uyo, Umuahia, Aba, Afam, Benin South, Ado-Ekiti
- North Central/West: Zaria, Funtua, Keffi, Bida, Jos, Suleija, Old Abeokuta, New Kano, Mando
- North East: Gombe, Bauchi, Damaturu, Hadejia (Jigawa)
- Others: Okpella, Papalanto, Ayede, Kastina, Daura, Wudil (Kano), General Cotton Mill Onitsha, Benin-Agbor, Dan Agundi, Mayo Bewa, Oji River, Kakuri, Edo
Funding
TCN’s funding sources include: - Revenue from service charges to: - GenCos - DisCos - International power customers - Direct-connected clients - Federal government budgetary allocations - Grants and loans from: - World Bank - African Development Bank - Japan International Cooperation Agency - Agence Française de Développement - European Union
Presidential Power Initiative (PPI)
- Launched in 2018 through a Nigeria-Germany agreement under President Buhari and Chancellor Merkel
- Executed by Siemens
- TCN is a key stakeholder in this effort to modernize and expand power transmission and distribution networks
Challenges
TCN faces several persistent issues:
- Infrastructural constraints
- Vandalism of lines and equipment
- Overdependence on gas without alternatives
- Encroachment and illegal excavation near transmission lines
These challenges often result in frequent power failures and grid collapses.