The Transmission Company of Nigeria has commissioned the newly constructed Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, Edo State. The event took place today, 14th May, 2026.

MD/CEO Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz described the project as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improving transmission network reliability nationwide.

He said the 14km double-circuit line links the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor substation, creating two new routes that increase operational flexibility and resilience in the Benin corridor.

“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz said. “It grants TCN the ability to more efficiently evacuate power generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company facility, alleviate transmission bottlenecks, and enhance system reliability.”

He noted that the additional 600MW evacuation capacity will allow distribution companies access to more bulk electricity for customers nationwide. The circuit which was energised on 23rd April, 2026, has been in service since, with customers of distribution companies already benefiting from the project.

Abdulaziz explained that TCN’s mandate is to transmit power from generating companies distribution load centres. “Our job is to transmit the power from the generators to the load centers. It is the responsibility of distribution companies to offtake and distribute to customers. With this project, distribution companies will have more bulk power available for industries and residential customers” he said.

He reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure to meet current demand and prepare for future growth, and called on host communities to support efforts to protect installations against vandalism.

On his part, the Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, said the project involved 30 towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura plants. He credited its completion to strong collaboration between TCN and ENERGO.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager Engineering, Engr. Mojid Akintola, said the project was awarded in 2017 but faced challenges with right of way and funding, which have now been resolved.

He thanked the Ihovbor host community, contractor Energo, and the entire TCN team, particularly the MD/CEO, for making today’s commissioning possible.

The General Manager of Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi said that the project adds over 600MW of wheeling capacity to the region and clarified that TCN is only a bulk transporter of electricity, does not distribute electricity to end users. Distribution companies directly interface with electricity consumers.

Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka, Mr. Elliot Imafido commended TCN on the project but appealed that indigenes of the community be prioritised in employment and also that electricity supply to the host community be improved.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.