The Federal Government on Sunday commissioned two new 100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at the Ijora 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Lagos, in what officials described as a major step to strengthen electricity supply to Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The commissioning was performed by the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister Tegbe said the upgrade replaces two ageing 30MVA transformers with two modern 100MVA units, increasing the substation’s total installed capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA — equivalent to 184MW of bulk transmission capacity.
"That represents an additional 112MW of bulk transmission capacity that will translate into real economic value,” he said.
The Minister noted that Ijora sits on one of the most strategic electricity corridors in Lagos, serving Ijora, Costain, Oyingbo, Customs and adjoining communities, as well as millions of consumers within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company franchise area.
“The significance of today’s event goes beyond commissioning of two transformers. It is about supporting the industries, ports, commercial centres and communities that keep Lagos moving,” Tegbe said.
The Minister said the project aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to transform Nigeria into a one trillion-dollar economy, with electricity at the heart of the ambition.
He acknowledged that for years, transmission infrastructure has been a major constraint, with generated power unable to be evacuated and demand outpacing capacity.
“The objective is not just to generate more megawatts. The objective is to create a power system that can reliably deliver electricity to where it is needed, when it is needed, and at a quality and cost that supports economic activity,” he said.
He commended the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, TCN, NISO, the World Bank, and Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited for their roles in delivering the project.
Minister Tegbe formally commissioned the two transformers and associated upgraded facilities, dedicating the project “to the people of Lagos, to the connected businesses and industries that drive our economy, and to the Nigerian people whose prosperity remains at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule A. Abdulaziz, said the Ijora project reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate investment in critical electricity infrastructure.
He explained that the upgrade increased transformation capacity at Ijora by 140MVA and provides capacity to accommodate future load growth, reduce network constraints, and improve reliability in an area vital to the commercial and industrial life of Lagos.
“This is part of TCN’s nationwide programme to expand transmission infrastructure and ensure that every incremental megawatt generated can be efficiently evacuated,” Abdulaziz said.
He noted the project was funded by the World Bank and executed by Messrs Shanghai Electric Limited, describing it as evidence of strategic partnerships accelerating infrastructure development.
The TCN boss said the investment aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and thanked the Minister of Power for his “strategic guidance and commitment” to delivering critical transmission projects.