TCN Commissions New Transformers at Ijora, Upgrades Apapa Road Substation to 180MVA

LAGOS, August 17, 2026 — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned major transmission infrastructure upgrades in Lagos, including two new 100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at the Ijora Transmission Substation and the upgraded Apapa Road 132/33kV Transmission Substation, in a move aimed at strengthening bulk electricity supply to critical commercial and industrial areas of the state.

The projects, commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s transmission capacity, improve grid reliability and support economic growth.

TCN increases Ijora capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA

Speaking at the commissioning of the Ijora project, TCN Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said two ageing 30MVA transformers had been replaced with two modern 100MVA units.

The upgrade increases the installed transformation capacity of the Ijora substation from 90MVA to 230MVA, representing an additional 140MVA of capacity for electricity demand within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) franchise area.

According to Abdulaziz, the project will provide greater capacity for EKEDC to receive bulk power and distribute it to customers, while also accommodating future load growth, reducing network constraints and improving operational flexibility.

He said the upgraded facility would enhance the reliability of electricity supply to an area that remains central to Lagos State’s commercial and industrial activities.

World Bank-funded Ijora project

The Ijora transformer project was funded by the World Bank and executed by Shanghai Electric Limited.

Abdulaziz described the project as an example of the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating critical infrastructure development and strengthening Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.

He said TCN would continue to invest in new substations, transformer upgrades, transmission lines and advanced grid technologies to ensure that transmission capacity keeps pace with the country’s growing generation and electricity demand.

Apapa Road substation capacity triples

At the upgraded Apapa Road 132/33kV Transmission Substation, TCN also commissioned two new 60MVA power transformers alongside modern Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).

The intervention has tripled the substation’s capacity from 60MVA to 180MVA, significantly increasing the quantum of bulk power available to EKEDC for onward distribution to consumers across Apapa Causeway, Ijora, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa Wharf, Tin Can Island and other critical commercial zones.

TCN said the project is expected to improve quality and reliability of electricity supply while supporting the productivity of businesses and industries within Lagos.

JICA-supported project

The Apapa Road upgrade was sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with TCN under the Emergency Rehabilitation and Reinforcement of Lagos Transmission Substations project.

The project was delivered by Takaoka Engineering Co. Ltd., while preparatory surveys and grant mobilisation were undertaken by Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd.

According to TCN, the Grant Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and JICA was signed on November 23, 2018, with project implementation commencing in 2019.

TCN seeks further development support

Abdulaziz commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, the Lagos State Government, development partners, contractors, TCN engineers and other stakeholders for supporting the successful delivery of the projects.

He particularly expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan and JICA for the grant intervention supporting the Apapa Road project.

The TCN CEO also appealed for similar grant support for other critical sections of Nigeria’s transmission network, saying additional interventions would enable the company to sustain and optimise transmission operations nationwide.

He said the projects demonstrate TCN’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s transmission network, reducing technical constraints and strengthening the national grid.

The commissioning of the Ijora and Apapa Road projects marks another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand transmission capacity and improve electricity supply to Lagos, one of Nigeria’s major economic and industrial centres.