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Transmission Company of Nigeria

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Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)
Agency overview
Formed2005 (2005)
Preceding agency
JurisdictionFederal Republic of Nigeria
HeadquartersAbuja
Agency executive
  • Engr Abdulaziz Sule, Managing Director/CEO
Parent agencyFederal Ministry of Power
Websitewww.tcn.gov.ng

Transmission company of Nigeria, is Nigeria’s electricity transmission company responsible for the transmission of electricity from the generating points to the distributing points for the end users. The company with a majority stake by the federal government has its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and its regional offices across the various states.

History

Transmission company of Nigeria(TCN) is a government owned company formed by the Nigerian government during the aftermath of the unbundling of then president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 due to the breakup of the erstwhile electricity body known as National Electric Power Authority or NEPA. The company was formed by the government in an effort to ensure better coordination of electricity transmission in the country; as electricity is generated, transmitted and then distributed to the consumer. It is among the 18 companies that fell into this electricity chain and backed by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSR Act) including 6 Generation Companies (GenCos) and 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos).[1]

Transmission company is one of the key entities in delivering electricity to the end user, which is the consumer. And Nigeria over the years has sought to unbundle the complications in the chain of electricity delivery thereby leading to various levels of the chain allotted to private companies namely; generation, transmission and distribution. Transmission company of Nigeria became duly incorporated in 2005 and granted operating license by the apex electricity regulatory body, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). TCN’s licensed activities include electricity transmission, system operation and electricity trading. It is responsible for evacuating electric power generated by the electricity generating companies (GenCos) and wheeling it to distribution companies (DisCos). It provides the vital transmission infrastructure between the GenCos and the DisCos’ Feeder Sub-stations.[2] The approved license was granted for two tiers including which were transmission service provider and independent system operation.[3]

Transmission service provider (tsp)

Under the issued license for transmission, the company oversees the development and maintenance of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure such as high voltage cables, towers and transformers[4][5] This bulk electricity transmission is to provide for the national inter-connected transmission system of substations and power lines and providing open access transmission services. Its role is to maintain the physical infrastructure that make up the transmission grid and expand it to new areas across the country.

Independent system operator or system operator (iso)

The proper management of electricity flow is vital from the generation to the distribution point throughout the power system. This is why the independent system operator is responsible for ensuring that the transmission grid lines are reliable and maintaining the technical stability of the grid through its operations of planning, dispatch, and control of the electricity on the grid. Nigeria has remained relentless in its expectation of the high performance from the service operator leading which led to the unbundling of the service operator into what is known as an independent service operator. The Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act under section 26(7) outlined the functions of the iso within the terms and conditions stipulated by NERC with powers and roles as system operator.[6]

The Mandate of the TCN

In the efforts to ensure Nigeria’s power sector becomes viable to boost foreign direct investment and local industrialization the mandate and policy document of TCN was designed to focus on implementation of the use of new technology, faster project execution and improving operational efficiencies. Nigeria over the years has attributed its slow growth to poor electricity supply since its inception in 1896 when electricity was first produced in Lagos.[7] The mandate which was to drive the level of growth in capacity utilization, replacement of state of the art equipment and prompt maintenance practice for optimum functionality is based on the government’s master plan to ensure continuous improvement in its capacity to deliver to responsibilities to generating companies and distribution companies.[8]

Leadership of TCN

Engr Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz is the managing director/chief executive officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria. He was appointed in May 2020 by president Muhammadu Buhari to replace the sacked former managing director, Usman Gur Mohammed. Engr Sule was confirmed in 2022 alongside four (4) other directors namely; Engr. Victor Adewumi – executive director, Transmission Service Provider, Engr. Maman J. Lawal – Executive Director, Independent System Operator, Mr. Ahmad Dutse – executive director, finance and accounts, and Barr Justin Dodo – executive director, human resources and corporate services. He is a project engineer with extensive experience spanning decades in the sector properly positioning him as leader, manager, coordinator and supervisor. His commitment to work and due dilligence in the industry cuts across project initiation, planning, design, coordination, administration, risk management and fund management. He is also serves as Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP).[9][10][11][12]

The company has its corporate headquarters in the country's Federal Capital Territory,Abuja with other 10 regional offices namely; Abuja, Bauchi, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Lagos, Osogbo, Port Harcourt and Shiroro and Kano. It has established National Control Center in Osogbo[13] and 3 Supplementary Control Centers in Shiroro, Benin and Lagos.

Transmission rehabilitation and expansion program (phase 1)

Transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme (trep) is a strategic project targeted at rehabilitating and expanding transmission infrastructures in order to stabilize the grid for optimum performance through massive investment in line with international best practice. The African Development Bank in its document on Nigeria transmission expansion programme states that it aims to support the rehabilitation and upgrade of Nigeria’s transmission substations and lines in order to increase power transmission network and allow distribution companies to improve supply to consumers. This is to support the efforts of the Nigerian government in improving electricity transmission in the country.[14] TREP is to ensure that erstwhile uninstalled transformers scattered all over the country will be installed using in-house capacity. This initiative by the TCN was designed with the expectation of rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure for the purpose of stabilizing optimum performance of the grid in response to insistent demand for improved power. It is designed to progressively expand its capacity in the transmission of power to the people which in times past was neglected as a critical part of the value chain.[15] The initiative seeks to ensure reduction in system instability through the procurement of functional SCADA/EMS, ensuring frequency control, provision of adequate spinning reserve, installation of relays and ensuring its efficiency. TREP also seeks to establish functional organizational structure and provide adequate man power with requisite skills and adequate incentive to drive the reform and manage the assets under their care. With its targeted increased wheeling capacity of 20,000MW by 2022 and support from the African Development Bank the TCN rolled out the plan to build 330kV substations in Zaria and Kaduna with three 132kV substations at Rigasa, Jaji and Kakau through the NTEP.[16][17]

Nigeria electricity transmission access project

NETAP is the Nigerian component of the north core transmission project which will connect Nigeria, Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso on 330kV DC line. It is to support the supply and installation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management Systems (SCADA/EMS) and consultancies that will support PPP projects in TCN in the future.[18][19]

Lagos/Ogun transmission infrastructure project

Lagos state is Nigeria’s commercial city and one of the most populous cities in Africa making its demand for power to be on the increase due to growing industrial activities and migration. TCN took the initiative to design this project for the provision of increased power supply to Lagos and neighboring areas in Ogun state. It is targeted at raising national transmission wheeling power by 1,487 megawatts thereby boosting transmission by 7,000MW.[20]

Abuja transmission ring scheme

Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and the country’s epicenter where the federal government is situated. In ensuring increased transmission of power in the FCT and its neighboring states the TCN flagged off this scheme in the city inclusive of five sites.[21][22][23]

Northern corridor transmission project

Nigeria’s northern corridor comprising of North East, North West and North Central which have not been left out of the drive to improve available transmission capacity in order to boost the national grid. TCN as the sole transmission company initiated this project for the purpose of re-constructing one out of the two Shiroro-Kaduna old and limited 330kV SC line into quad line and build initially four 330kV substations in Sokoto, Daura, Jogana-Kano and Kaura Namoda.[24][25]

Nigerian presidential power initiative (PPI)

The joint agreement between Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari and his counterpart, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in 2018 birthed the presidential power initiative. The project is expected to contribute immensely in savaging the country’s perennial power challenges. The TCN constitutes as one of the key stakeholders in the Nigerian Presidential Power Initiative embarked by Siemens, and as a government-to-government agreement between Nigeria and Germany in resolving existing challenges in the country's power sector thereby expanding the capacity of the transmission and distribution network.[26][27]

Transmission substations in Nigeria (completed and ongoing)

In a continuous effort at further improving bulk power transmission to distribution load centres nationwide, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is building new power transmission facilities and rehabilitating old ones around the country. These substations which serve as transmission branches of the company across the country are situated in various states and regions including some of the following listed below:

  • Benin south
  • Alimosho
  • Ajah
  • Ejigbo
  • Funtua
  • Zaria
  • Oji River
  • Mayo Bewa
  • FCT Kukwaba
  • Afam
  • Hadejia Jigawa
  • Keffi
  • Katampe
  • Uyo
  • Umuahia
  • Aba
  • Apo
  • Gombe
  • Bauchi
  • Bida
  • Suleija
  • Old Abeokuta
  • New Kano
  • Mando
  • Zaria
  • Kakuri
  • Edo
  • Ado-Ekiti
  • Ejigbo II
  • Akure
  • Wudil (Kano)
  • Okpella
  • Papalanto
  • Damaturu
  • Ayede
  • Kastina
  • Daura
  • General cotton mill Onitsha
  • Benin-Agbor
  • Dan Agundi

[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]

Achievements under Abdulaziz Sule leadership

The transmission of electricity from the generating point to the distribution point across the country has over the years encountered challenges for the operators, such as obsolete equipment, slow response to maintenance, low workers’ motivation and technological deployment. Engr Abdulaziz Sule whose appointment came as a result of the demand to get a well experienced leadership to drive the government’s agenda for the sector brought to fore the significant achievements the organization has recorded under his leadership. His leadership recorded various achievements that have enhanced the operational framework of the company and the electricity chain. Some of these achievements include:

  • Improved project execution and delivery, reliable grid management, and human resources management that improved personnel performance and productivity.[40]
  • Prompt response to repairs/replacement of vandalized facilities and adherence to world standard maintenance practice.[41]
  • Increase in transmission capacity nationwide as a result of construction of additional substations.[42]
  • Reduced rate of national grid collapse[43]
  • Digitization of old substations across the country.[44][45]
  • Delivery and installation of brand new transformers in the substations.[46][47]

Funding of TCN

The company is mainly funded through various channels including revenue from payment for services to generating companies, distribution companies, international distribution companies and direct connected customers. Also from budgetary appropriation for capital projects by the Federal Government and such grants and loans from reputable international donor agencies including the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Agence Francais de Development and the European Union.[48][49][50][51]

Membership

It is a member of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an agency committed to improving energy flow across ECOWAS member states through joint financing between member countries for better sustainability of power projects within the region. It is in furtherance of this collective objective that the TCN provides bulk power supplies to countries like Republic of Niger, Republic of Benin and Togo.[52][53][54][55]

challenges of power transmission in Nigeria

Since the privatization of Nigeria’s generating and distributing segments of electricity, the transmission of electricity remains the cardinal point and key aspect. The transmission company of Nigeria under Abdulaziz Sule leadership has sought to improve the quality of electricity transmission, yet there are still various challenges that have continuously affected the efforts of the government and stakeholders. Among the many challenges the transmission company of Nigeria has continually been confronted with include; infrastructural constraints, vandalism of transmission lines and equipment, lack of alternative to gas in powering transmission substations, encroachment and illegal excavating activities around transmission lines. [56] [57] [58]

References

  1. ^ "Transmission Company of Nigeria". Devex. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  2. ^ Izuaka, Mary (2021-05-21). "BPE Proposes Privatization of Transmission Company of Nigeria". Premium Times. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  3. ^ Akpan, Udeme (2020-07-10). "NERC Unbundles TCN into Transmission, Operations". Vanguard Media Limited. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  4. ^ "Facilitating Energy Transition Greenfield Terminal Project". Global Energy Storage. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  5. ^ Jeremiah, Kingsley (2019-09-24). "Again Discos at Loggerheads with TCN Over Transmission Infrastructure". Guardian Nigeria Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  6. ^ Ogaji, Joy (2021-03-01). "Exploring the Dynamics in the Current Ailing Power Sector". Business Day Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  7. ^ "The Challenges of the Nigeria Electric Power Sector Reform". Vanguard Media Limited. 2013-02-26. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  8. ^ "Nigeria TCN to Use Transmission Expansion Masterplan". ESI Africa. 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  9. ^ "Buhari Confirms Abdulaziz as Managing Director of TCN". The Whistler. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  10. ^ "TCN MD Abdulaziz Four Director Receive Appointment Letters". Naira Metrics. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  11. ^ "TCN Acting MD Four Others Get Appointment Letters". Vanguard Media Limited. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  12. ^ Nwachukwu, John (2020-03-19). "Buhari Sacks Usman Mohammed as TCN MD Appoints Abdulaziz". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  13. ^ "NCC TCN Deploys Network in Osogbo". Independent Newspapers. 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  14. ^ "Nigeria Transmission Phase One". Africa Development Bank. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  15. ^ "Transmission: A Critical But Frequently Neglected Part of the Value Chain". Naira Metrics. 2022-02-10. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  16. ^ "Nigeria Federal Government Transmission Rehabilitation". The Daily Nigeria.
  17. ^ "African Development Bank Approves 200 Million Dollars for TCN". Thisday Newspaper. 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  18. ^ "Nigeria To Invest 27 Billion Loan in Power Infrastructure". Guardian Newspaper. 2022-03-09. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  19. ^ "TCN Votes On 756 Billion on Bilateral Multilateral Projects". The Nation Online. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  20. ^ "Federal Government to Ram Up Power Infrastructure". Vanguard Media Limited. 2022-03-08. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  21. ^ Uko, Anthony. "TCN Plans to Raise Abuja Transmission Network by 624MW". Leadership Nigeria Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  22. ^ "TCN Builds 5 Substations in Abuja to Boost Power Supply". NIPC. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  23. ^ "Power Wobbles Despite Over One Billion Dollar Investment". Guardian Nigeria Newspaper. 2020-11-02. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  24. ^ "French Agency Approves 245 Million Dollars for Transmission Projects in Northern Nigeria". Guardian Nigeria Newspaper. 2018-12-31. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  25. ^ "French Agency Approves $245m For Transmission Projects in Northern Nigeria". News Express Agency. 2018-12-31. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  26. ^ "Understanding Nigeria's Presidential Power Initiative". Businessday Newspaper. 2021-04-07. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  27. ^ "Understanding Nigeria's Presidential Power Initiative". Punch Nigeria Newspaper. 2021-03-31. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  28. ^ "TCN Offices in Nigeria". Nigerian Finder. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  29. ^ "Existing Transmission Company of Nigeria Line System Source". Research Gate. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  30. ^ "TCN Commences Digitisation of Old Transmission Substation". 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  31. ^ "Nigeria TCN Delivers Two Units of 330kva Power Transmission Substations". ESI Africa.
  32. ^ "Ondo TCN Partner to Improve Power Supply". PM News Nigeria. 2022-01-11. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  33. ^ "TCN Begins Digitization of Old Power Transmission Substations". Daily Trust Nigeria. 2022-02-12. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  34. ^ "Recent Project Activities of Transmission Company of Nigeria". Financial Nigeria. 2022-12-22. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  35. ^ "TCN Completes Ajah Transmission Tower". Vanguard Media Limited. 2022-03-18.
  36. ^ "TCN Completes Akure Substation". Blueprint Media. 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  37. ^ "New Lafia Substation to Become Nigeria's Transmission Hub". Tribune Online. 2022-03-05. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  38. ^ "TCN Energizes Damaturu Substation". 2018-10-08. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  39. ^ "List of Power Transmission Stations in Nigeria". Daily Tips Finder. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  40. ^ "Buhari Confirms Sule Ahmed as MD of TCN". Business Day Nigeria. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  41. ^ "Abdulaziz Achieved Targets Despite Challenges". Thisday Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  42. ^ "Abdulaziz Confirmed MD of TCN". Financial Nigeria. 2022-05-10. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  43. ^ "After 23 Months Abdulaziz Confirmed as TCN MD". Daily Trust Nigeria. 2022-04-13. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  44. ^ "TCN Begins Digitization of Old Transmission Substations". Vanguard Media Limited. 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  45. ^ "Buhari Confirms Abdulaziz Managing Director TCN". Daily Post Nigeria. 2022-04-13. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  46. ^ "Power Transmission to Increase by 1,487MW as TCN Gets 15 New Transformers". The Cable Nigeria. 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  47. ^ "TCN gets transformers to increase power transmission by 1,487MW". The Punch Nigeria. 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  48. ^ "FG Hopes to Ramp Up Power Infrastructure". Vanguard Media Limited. 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  49. ^ "TCN 15 Transformers To Improve". ICIR Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  50. ^ "FG Partners Japan on Transmission Expansion Programme". The Punch Nigeria. 2022-05-23. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  51. ^ "FG to partner Japan agency on power transmission". Blueprint Media Limited. 2022-02-09. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  52. ^ "TCN Canvasses Timely Contributions wapp". The Punch Nigeria. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  53. ^ "Power WAPP Set to Complete North Core Transmission Line". Vanguard Media Limited. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  54. ^ "WAPP Vows to Link Nigeria with Transmission Lines". Sun News Online. 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  55. ^ "WAPP Commits to Linking Nigeria to Three Countries". Independent Nigeria News. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  56. ^ "Challenges and Interventions Needs in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry". Choice Social Change Africa. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  57. ^ Opaoluwani, Akintayo. "Why Nigeria Gas to Power Challenges May Worsen". The Punch Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  58. ^ "As Power Sector Falters TCN Trudges". Thisday Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-08-22.

Category:Electric power in Nigeria Category:Government of Nigeria


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