Upgrading and modernizing electricity transmission infrastructure is essential to ensure the stability and reliability of a country’s electricity grid. In Nigeria, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is committed to putting in place a backup system to prevent national blackouts in the event of a national grid collapse.
TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz, speaking on Sunday Politics on Fatshimetrie TV, noted that the recurring grid outages were due to outdated infrastructure, some of which was over 50 years old. To address this, TCN is implementing a grid-wide dispersion system, funded by the World Bank. The project is expected to be completed in the next two years, with 70% progress already achieved.
Abdulaziz explained that the dispersion system would reduce the frequency of system disruptions and ensure better grid reliability. In addition, TCN is working to modernize all its transmission lines in partnership with private companies to mobilize the necessary funds. The goal is to create a more resilient electricity grid, capable of automatically switching to alternative lines in the event of a failure.
Continued investment in electricity generation and transmission infrastructure is crucial to meet the growing demand for energy. Although electricity costs are increasing, Abdulaziz points out that Nigeria remains more affordable than its neighbors such as Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso and other African countries. This increase in tariffs reflects the challenges of electricity generation, but ensures better quality of service for consumers.
In conclusion, modernizing electricity infrastructure is a major challenge to ensure the consistent and reliable supply of electricity in Nigeria. Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, TCN is working to strengthen the resilience of its grid and improve energy efficiency for the well-being of all.