…unlocks additional 600MW evacuation capacity for bulk supply to DisCos
Nine years after the project was awarded, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has finally commissioned the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In-Turn-Out transmission lines at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation in Edo State, unlocking an additional 600MW evacuation capacity to improve bulk power supply access for distribution companies serving industrial and residential customers nationwide.
Advisors Reports gathered that the 14km double-circuit line linking the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor Substation comprises 30 transmission towers fitted with twin Bison conductors and is capable of evacuating up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura power plants.
The project was commissioned on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and inaugurated by Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Engr. Abdulaziz described the project as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improving nationwide grid reliability.
He explained that the 14km double-circuit line links the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor Substation, creating two new transmission pathways that enhance operational flexibility and improve the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor.
According to him, the project has significantly improved the efficiency of power evacuation from the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NIPP) facility, reduced transmission bottlenecks, and strengthened overall system reliability.
“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor.
“It enables TCN to more efficiently evacuate power generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company facility, alleviate transmission constraints, and enhance system stability, ” Abdulaziz said.
The TCN Boss further noted that the circuit, which was energised on April 23, 2026, has been in operation since then, with distribution companies already benefiting from improved bulk power availability for customers.
“Our mandate is to transmit power from generation companies to load centres. It is the responsibility of distribution companies to offtake and distribute to end-users. With this project, more bulk power is now available for industrial and residential consumers,” he added.
The Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, disclosed that the project involved 30 transmission towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura plants, commending the strong collaboration between TCN and ENERGO in delivering the project.
Engr. Mojid Akintola, General Manager (Engineering) stated that although the project was awarded in 2017, it faced delays due to right-of-way and funding challenges, which have now been resolved, leading to its successful completion.
