The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced plans to expand the national grid through the reconstruction and upgrade of the 138km Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line, a project being carried out in partnership with the African Development Bank.
The project will upgrade the existing single-circuit line to a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line, significantly enhancing the grid’s capacity and efficiency.
Compensation for Project Affected Persons within Abia and Imo states sections of the transmission line corridor was carried out between March 31 and April 2, 2026, covering eight local government areas.
The Assistant General Manager for the AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Aromeh Adole, confirmed that following payment of compensation, affected persons have been given a 90-day grace period to leave the Right of Way.
“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,” Adole said. He added that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project, Engr. Edeh Obiora Alexander, commended President Bola Tinubu for the timely release of funds, noting that the Federal Government provided counterpart funding to ensure all affected persons were compensated fairly.
The upgrade will significantly increase the volume of electricity transmitted, improving power supply to the Alaoji and Port Harcourt axes, Abia State, and the entire South East region. The transition to double-circuit quad-conductors will also reduce transmission losses and enhance overall grid reliability.
The development followed the approval of a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan by President Tinubu aimed at settling long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector. The government noted that implementation of the repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 power generation companies signing settlement agreements valued at ₦2.3 trillion.
