Right-of-Way bottlenecks stall 624mw Abuja power scheme – TCN
Right-of-Way Issues Delay Completion of 624-Megawatt Abuja Power Scheme
By Obas Esiedesa
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that the completion of the 624-megawatt Abuja Feeding Scheme is being hindered by ongoing right-of-way (RoW) challenges. The project, which is currently about 91% complete, aims to enhance electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas.
The initiative includes five substations located in Dawaki, Lugbe, Kuje, Wumba, and Apo, in addition to 132kV transmission lines connecting these facilities. Once fully operational, the scheme is expected to address power shortages in the region.
During a project inspection on Thursday, TCN’s Executive Director of Transmission Service Provider, Engr. Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, highlighted that the most significant delays are occurring along transmission line routes, particularly near Wumba. He urged for immediate government intervention to resolve the issues.
“We are not where we expected to be because of the constraints we are facing, especially on the right-of-way along the transmission routes,” Ajiboye stated. “We are working round the clock to resolve these issues so the project can be completed.”
Ajiboye mentioned that two of the substations are already prepared for energization, but delays at critical locations have stalled the extension of electricity supply to other areas. He indicated that Wumba and Kuje will receive power as soon as the right-of-way issues are settled.
He expressed concern over resistance from individuals occupying designated transmission corridors, noting that some are influential. “It is unfortunate that some Nigerians do not see this project as beneficial to everyone. There are people insisting that transmission lines must not pass through approved routes, and some of them are very powerful,” he said.
Ajiboye reiterated the need for the relevant government authorities to engage with those affected in order to facilitate access to the necessary corridors, emphasizing that right-of-way disputes remain the project’s chief obstacle.
Consultant Engr. Anthony Uuajamah also commented on the project, specifying that the Kuje substation (Lot 5A) is a 3x60MVA facility with nine outgoing feeders, while the Wumba substation (Lot 5B) supports a capacity of 2x60MVA. He noted that the project includes multiple substation and transmission line extensions, culminating in around thirteen 60MVA transformers and an overall capacity of approximately 624 megawatts.
