TCN Completes Compensation Payment For Alaoji-Onitsha Transmission Line Project
By Sunday Etuka
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has completed the payment of compensation to persons that would be affected by the reconstruction and upgrade of 138km Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.
Recall that TCN, in partnership with African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced implementation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), including acquisition and clearing of Right of Way (RoW) for the project.
The project would upgrade the existing single-circuit line to a 330kV double-circuit quad-conductor transmission line, significantly enhancing the grid’s capacity and efficiency.
TCN disclosed that compensation for the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) was carried out between March 31 and April 2, 2026, within Abia and Imo states sections of the Transmission Line corridor, covering, eight Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Assistant General Manager (Health, Safety, and Environment) for the AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Mr. Aromeh Adole, confirmed that following the payment of compensation, PAPs have been given a 90-day grace period to leave the RoW.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Mr. Adole said “The existing line is a single circuit, while the new line will deliver four times that capacity, fundamentally transforming bulk power delivery in the Southeast.” He added that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Acting Project Manager for the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1) under TCN-AfDB Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Engr. Edeh Obiora Alexander representing the General Manager Program Coordination Engr Aminu Tahir, while thanking the MD/ CEO of TCN, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Abdulaziz for his good leadership qualities which brought about the giant strides, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely release of funds. He noted that Federal Government provided the counterpart funding to ensure that all PAPs were compensated fairly and promptly.
He further explained that 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 Southeast region.
The transition to double-circuit quad-conductors will also reduce transmission losses and enhance overall grid reliability.
This project remains a critical component of TCN’s broader strategy to expand the national grid and deliver more stable electricity to industrial and residential hubs across Nigeria.
