By Onu Okorie

Federal Government has commissioned a total of 840MVA of new transformer capacity across major transmission substations in Lagos State, in a move aimed at easing electricity constraints and strengthening power supply to industries, businesses and households.
The projects, commissioned comprise 540MVA of new transformer capacity at the 132kV level, with the capacity to wheel about 432MW, and an additional 300MVA at the 330kV level, capable of transmitting approximately 240MW within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) network.
The projects were commissioned by the Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, at the Apapa, Ijora, Lekki and Alausa transmission substations.
At Lekki on Tuesday, the minister commissioned a 300MVA, 330/132/33kV transformer and two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers. A 100MVA, 132/33kV transformer was also commissioned at the Alausa Transmission Substation.
The Lekki intervention has effectively doubled the capacity of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation. Transformer capacity at the 330/132kV level has increased from 300MVA to 600MVA, equivalent to about 480MW, while capacity at the 132/33kV level rose from 120MVA to 240MVA, equivalent to approximately 192MW.
The project also delivered nine new 33kV feeders to improve bulk power evacuation into the network of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe said the projects represented more than the installation of new equipment, describing them as targeted investments designed to create capacity for businesses, industries and communities.
At Alausa, the newly commissioned 100MVA transformer increased the substation’s total transformation capacity from 135MVA to 205MVA, equivalent to approximately 164MW. The project also increased the quantum of bulk power available to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) by 80MW.
Earlier, Tegbe commissioned a 2x60MVA Gas Insulated Switchgear GIS substation at the Apapa Transmission Substation.
The Apapa project, delivered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA under its Official Development Assistance programme, comprises modern gas-insulated switchgear, two 60MVA, 132/33kV transformers, a new control building, modern protection and control systems, substation automation and SCADA infrastructure.
The facility is expected to increase bulk power availability in the Apapa axis by approximately 96MW, improving electricity supply to Apapa Causeway, Ijora, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa Wharf, Tin Can Island and other commercial areas within the EKEDC franchise.
At Ijora, two existing 30MVA transformers were replaced with two modern 100MVA, 132/33kV transformers. The intervention increased the substation’s installed capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA, equivalent to approximately 184MW, and added about 112MW in transmission capacity.
Also speaking at the commissioning events, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the projects would significantly improve power transmission in Lagos State.
Abdulaziz said the Apapa upgrade would increase the volume of bulk electricity available to EKEDC for onward distribution, while improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply in one of Lagos’ major industrial corridors.
He said the Alausa project, executed by Shanghai Electric Ltd under a World Bank-funded initiative that commenced in January 2021, would provide more stable and reliable electricity to at least 70,000 residents in Alausa and adjoining areas through IKEDC.