By Onu Okorie
The Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN, in collaboration with the African Development Bank AfDB, has flagged off the second phase of the Resettlement Action Plan RAP and Livelihood Restoration Programme for the Alaoji–Onitsha Transmission Line Project.
The compensation exercise, conducted covered Project Affected Persons PAPs in Abia and Imo States, with the official flag-off ceremony held in Imo State.
The project entails the upgrade of the existing 138-kilometre, 330kV Single Circuit transmission line to a 330kV Double Circuit Quad Conductor configuration spanning Alaoji to Onitsha.
Speaking, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, represented by Assistant General Manager and Project Manager AfDB, and Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project Phase One NTEP-1, Engr. Omobola Odusoga-Bola, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the project and the timely compensation of affected persons.
He explained that the current phase centres on compensating persons whose crops fall within the transmission line corridor, following an earlier phase in which individuals whose structures were impacted received compensation. He further disclosed that TCN is implementing a Livelihood Restoration Programme targeting petty traders operating along the existing right of way.
The MD/CEO revealed that 210 small business owners had been identified within the TCN corridor, while 64 beneficiaries drawn from 32 communities would receive practical vocational training and start-up support across a range of trades, including fashion and tailoring, cobbling and shoemaking, catering and food processing, ICT and digital skills, auto mechanics, electrical installations, and other artisanal disciplines relevant to local economic development.
Also speaking, the Project Consultant and Managing Director of PGM Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bassey Uzodimma, described TCN’s approach as evidence of its commitment to responsible project implementation and meaningful community engagement. He urged community leaders to safeguard the interests of beneficiaries, ensure close oversight of the programme, and work to maximise its long-term impact on the affected communities.