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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has recorded a key milestone in grid stability, successfully preventing national power grid collapse for 421 consecutive days, following the implementation of its Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP) and a broad digital transformation drive.
The achievement reflects sustained investments in infrastructure upgrades, smart technology deployment, and operational reforms aimed at strengthening electricity transmission efficiency across Nigeria.
According to TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the programme has supported the execution of several capital-intensive and reinforcement projects across transmission corridors nationwide, improving electricity evacuation and distribution reliability.
“Notably, TCN has successfully completed several substations, initiated the reconductoring of aging and low-capacity transmission lines, replaced aged transformers with new ones, and upgraded the capacities of existing transformers,” she said.
She further disclosed that during the period, the national power system recorded multiple generation milestones, including an all-time peak generation of 5,802 megawatts. She added that the stability achieved between July 20, 2022, and September 13, 2023, marked a major turnaround in Nigeria’s transmission performance history.
“Remarkably, for a period spanning 421 days from July 20, 2022, to September 13, 2023, the national grid did not experience any collapse,” Mbah stated.
She attributed the progress to the leadership of TCN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, under whose administration the company intensified infrastructure rehabilitation and operational modernisation.
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To improve operational efficiency, TCN also adopted digital transformation strategies using both internally developed solutions and vendor-provided applications. The initiative included upgrading the company’s web portal to improve transparency and facilitate data sharing within the electricity market ecosystem.
“To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, TCN embraced digital transformation through the utilisation of internal solutions and vendor-procured applications. This transformation improved transparency and facilitated the exchange of information critical to market operations,” she explained.
A major innovation introduced by TCN engineers was the development of an in-house Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system. The technology provides near real-time data from generation stations and substations, significantly improving grid visibility for controllers at the National Control Centre.
The company also initiated the upgrade of its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS), replacing legacy systems inherited from the pre-reform power era. While awaiting full deployment of the advanced network, TCN has continued implementing smaller technology-driven solutions to sustain operational improvements.
“While awaiting the full implementation of the advanced SCADA/EMS network, TCN recognised the value of small-scale solutions that produce impactful results,” Mbah said.
She added that TCN has prioritised preventive maintenance, timely procurement of spare parts, and systematic equipment monitoring to minimise service disruptions and enhance system reliability.
The company also highlighted workplace reforms aimed at improving employee productivity and welfare. “The current management has undertaken initiatives to ensure that the work environment supports productivity and promotes a holistic approach to work, fostering a productive and compassionate work culture,” she said.
TCN said its ongoing digital and infrastructure investments remain critical to supporting Nigeria’s long-term energy security and strengthening confidence in the national power transmission system.
