By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The Federal Government has commissioned a new 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformer at the Alausa Transmission Substation in Lagos State, increasing the facility’s installed capacity from 135MVA to 205MVA.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commissioned the transformer on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, describing the project as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and ease electricity supply constraints in major economic centres.
According to the minister, the upgrade will increase the quantum of bulk power available to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) by 80MW for onward distribution to consumers within its franchise area.
Tegbe said the intervention was particularly important because Alausa serves as a major administrative and economic centre, hosting government institutions, businesses, industries, hospitals, schools, markets, technology companies and residential communities.
He said improving electricity infrastructure in the area would support economic activities and help businesses and households access more reliable power.
Alausa capacity rises from 135MVA to 205MVA
Before the upgrade, the Alausa 132/33kV Transmission Substation operated with one 60MVA, one 45MVA and one 30MVA transformer, giving it a combined installed capacity of 135MVA.
The new 100MVA transformer replaces the existing 30MVA unit, increasing the capacity of that transformer position by 70MVA and raising the substation’s overall installed capacity to 205MVA, equivalent to approximately 164MW.
“More importantly, it has increased the quantum of bulk power available to IKEDC by 80MW for onward delivery to consumers within its franchise area,” Tegbe said.
The minister described the development as more than a technical upgrade, saying increased electricity availability could have a wider impact on businesses, industries and livelihoods.
FG targets transmission bottlenecks
Tegbe said the Alausa project formed part of a broader government strategy to address transmission constraints across the country.
He said the government would continue to identify areas where transmission infrastructure limits available electricity, expand substations requiring additional capacity, rehabilitate ageing equipment and replace obsolete infrastructure.
“Our approach is therefore deliberate: identify the bottleneck, invest in it, remove the constraint and unlock the capacity,” the minister said.
He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for executing the upgrade and acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in the coordinated and secure operation of the electricity system.
Tegbe also urged IKEDC to translate the additional bulk power capacity into improved electricity services for consumers across its franchise area.
World Bank-backed project to benefit 70,000 residents
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the project demonstrated the company’s commitment to expanding and strengthening Nigeria’s transmission network.
Abdulaziz disclosed that the project was executed by Shanghai Electric Ltd under a World Bank-funded initiative that commenced in January 2021.
He said the project encountered implementation challenges but was eventually completed through TCN’s efforts to deliver critical transmission infrastructure.
According to him, once fully energised, the transformer is expected to provide more stable and reliable electricity to at least 70,000 residents in Alausa and surrounding communities through IKEDC.
He added that the upgrade would increase the amount of bulk electricity TCN could wheel to distribution load centres, with potential benefits for grid stability and electricity delivery.
“Beyond serving the immediate community, this upgrade meaningfully increases the quantum of bulk power that TCN can wheel to distribution load centres nationwide,” Abdulaziz said.
Government promises more power-sector investments
The TCN chief said the project aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflected ongoing efforts to improve the country’s power infrastructure.
The minister also commended the Lagos State Government, contractors, engineers, development partners and other stakeholders involved in the project.
He specifically recognised the contributions of Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited, the World Bank and the Lagos State Government to the completion of the infrastructure.
At the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe formally inaugurated the 1x100MVA, 132/33kV transformer and its associated facilities on behalf of President Tinubu and the Federal Government.
The Alausa upgrade is part of a series of transmission projects being undertaken across Nigeria to increase wheeling capacity, strengthen grid stability and improve the availability of bulk electricity to distribution companies.
