Transmission firm says donor-backed project 91% done but blocked by corridor access challenges…..
The Transmission Company of Nigeria says persistent right-of-way challenges are delaying the completion of the 624-megawatt Abuja Feeding Scheme, a major power project designed to improve electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory and nearby areas.
The donor-funded scheme, currently about 91 percent completed, is expected to ease power shortages in Abuja once fully delivered.
The project includes five substations located at Dawaki, Lugbe, Kuje, Wumba and Apo, along with associated 132kV transmission lines connecting the facilities.
Speaking after inspecting the project on Thursday, the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider at TCN, Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, said the main setbacks were occurring along transmission line routes, particularly around the Wumba axis, and called for urgent government intervention.
“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 said. “We are working round the clock to resolve these issues so the project can be completed.”
He disclosed that two of the substations have already been completed and are ready for energisation, but delays at key transmission points have prevented the extension of supply to other locations.
“Except for the areas affected by these challenges, the substations are ready. Once supply gets to this point, Wumba, which is very close, will be energised, and Kuje will also receive power immediately the issues are resolved,” he said.
Ajiboye expressed concern over resistance from some individuals occupying approved transmission corridors, noting that some of those involved were 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.
He appealed to relevant government authorities to intervene and engage affected parties to enable access to the required routes, stressing that right-of-way disputes remain the project’s biggest obstacle.
Also speaking, the project consultant, Engr. Anthony Uuajamah, said the Kuje substation, designated as Lot 5A, is a 3x60MVA facility with nine outgoing feeders, while the Wumba substation, Lot 5B, has a capacity of 2x60MVA.
He added that the project involves multiple substation and transmission line extensions, including about thirteen 60MVA transformers, giving the scheme an overall capacity of approximately 624 megawatts.
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