Power Minister: TCN needs about N2.8 Trillion to execute 149 projects

  • Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) needs N2.8 trillion to complete 149 projects to improve electricity transmission.
  • Adelabu also highlighted the progress of the Siemens power project, with the pilot phase 95% complete.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires an estimated N2.8 trillion to implement 149 critical projects to improve the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure. This disclosure was made during separate appearances before power sector committees in the National Assembly to defend the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget proposal.

In his presentation, Adelabu emphasized that while the TCN needs substantial funding, the Ministry of Power’s current budget falls far short of the required amount. He clarified that achieving the Ministry’s objectives in improving the electricity supply to Nigerians will necessitate significant financial investment and collaboration from all stakeholders. “We need your cooperation and collaboration in achieving Mr President’s mandate to supply electricity to Nigerians,” Adelabu urged the committees. He stressed that addressing the sector’s challenges will remain difficult without adequate funding, though he acknowledged that “half bread is better than none” in the face of these financial constraints.

A significant part of the plan to tackle Nigeria’s ongoing electricity supply issues involves the second phase of the Siemens power project, which the Federal Government has approved. Adelabu reported that the project’s pilot phase was 95% completed in 2024, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernize Nigeria’s power infrastructure. The Siemens project, part of the Presidential Power Initiative, aims to improve the country’s power grid, which frequent collapses have plagued due to outdated and inefficient equipment.

The project’s second phase will focus on the construction of new substations across the country. These substations are expected to address the long-standing issues of inadequate power infrastructure and replace the ageing equipment contributing to frequent grid failures. According to Adelabu, the grid collapse issue directly results from obsolete equipment at many of the country’s power stations, and the government is committed to tackling this challenge.

The Minister assured the National Assembly committees that the Federal Government is fully dedicated to overcoming the challenges in the power sector, which have hindered reliable electricity supply in Nigeria. He called for ongoing support to implement solutions that will help achieve stable and sustainable electricity for Nigerians.

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