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.