The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has increased bulk power transmission capacity around the Apapa corridor in Lagos with the commissioning of two 60 MVA 132/33kV gas-insulated substations at the upgraded Apapa Road Transmission Substation and two new 100 MVA power transformers at the 132/33kV Ijora Transmission Substation.
TCN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, disclosed this during the commissioning of the two projects in Lagos on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The projects increased the capacity of the Apapa Road Transmission Substation from 60 MVA to 180 MVA, while the total capacity of the Ijora Transmission Substation rose to 230 MVA, equivalent to 184 MW.
According to TCN, the additional capacity is expected to improve bulk power availability to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and support electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential areas around the Apapa corridor.
Abdulaziz said the Apapa Road upgrade had significantly increased the volume of bulk electricity available for EKEDC to distribute to customers across the corridor.
“The upgrade of the Apapa Road Transmission Substation has tripled from 60MVA to 180MVA, significantly increasing the quantum of bulk power available for offtake by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for its customers in Apapa Causeway, Ijora, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa Wharf, Tin Can Island, and other critical commercial areas within its franchise area,” he said.
He added that the upgraded facility comprises two 60 MVA 132/33kV gas-insulated substations that are already in circuit, increasing transmission capacity in Lagos.
At the Ijora Transmission Substation, the commissioning of two new 100 MVA, 132/33kV power transformers increased the facility’s total capacity to 230 MVA.
Abdulaziz said the projects demonstrate the Federal Government’s investment in critical electricity infrastructure and TCN’s commitment to developing a transmission network capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing energy demand.
The Apapa Road project was sponsored and executed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in strategic partnership with TCN.
Four months earlier, TCN General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, announced the successful energisation of two 60 MVA 132/33kV power transformers at the rehabilitated Apapa Road Transmission Substation.
Mbah said the project also involved the installation of modern Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), which was expected to improve the substation’s operational efficiency and reliability.
She said the development would enhance bulk electricity supply to EKEDC and enable improved distribution to key industrial and residential areas.
Abdulaziz said TCN would continue to rehabilitate and expand substations and transmission lines to improve its ability to wheel bulk electricity from generation stations to distribution load centres.
“Electricity remains the bedrock of economic growth,” he said, adding that TCN would continue to make consistent and strategic investments in its network.
The TCN chief executive also stressed the importance of reliable electricity supply to industrial clusters, commercial districts, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and households.
The latest projects add to TCN’s ongoing investments in Lagos transmission infrastructure. In December 2024, the company commissioned a 1×60/75 MVA 132/33kV power transformer at the 330/132/33kV Lekki Transmission Substation, increasing its capacity from 120 MVA to 195 MVA.
The Lekki upgrade enabled greater power distribution efficiency in the corridor and allowed EKEDC to offtake a larger volume of bulk power, benefiting areas including New Maroko, Cheview Estate, parts of Lekki and neighbouring communities.
With the latest Apapa and Ijora projects, TCN has further expanded transmission capacity in Lagos as it continues efforts to strengthen the national grid and improve bulk electricity delivery to distribution load centres.
