Nigeria's Power Sector Faces Major Infrastructure Challenges, Says TCN Boss

 

Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director and CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has shed light on the pressing infrastructure challenges facing the country's power sector. He emphasized that much of the equipment currently in use is outdated, which has been a key factor behind the persistent power grid failures.

During an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Abdulaziz shared his concerns about the state of the transmission system, noting that it has been neglected for decades. "Most of the equipment we use is 40 to 50 years old," he explained. "It's unrealistic to expect such old infrastructure to function perfectly."

Despite these challenges, Abdulaziz expressed optimism about the future, stating that he believes Nigeria can achieve a stable and consistent electricity supply within the next five years. He pointed out that significant efforts are being made to modernize the transmission system and reduce the frequency of nationwide blackouts.

One of the major projects underway is the implementation of a new backup system, designed to prevent total grid collapses. "We are currently rolling out a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system across the entire network, funded by the World Bank," Abdulaziz revealed. "This project is 70% complete and should be finished within the next two years. Once fully operational, it will significantly reduce system disturbances."

In addition to the SCADA system, TCN is working to upgrade its transmission lines, though Abdulaziz admitted that securing the necessary funding remains a challenge. The government has limited financial resources, but TCN has been collaborating with private companies to raise funds for these critical infrastructure improvements.

Abdulaziz also highlighted plans for what he called a "super grid," which will allow for greater flexibility in the event of a transmission line failure. "Right now, if there's an issue with one line, we have no backup to switch to. But with the super grid, we will have an alternative line to ensure continuous power supply," he explained.

Efforts to improve Nigeria's power sector are ongoing, with the TCN and government authorities working to address these long-standing infrastructure issues and move toward a more reliable electricity supply for the country