BY GLORIA AKUDORO

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Federal Ministry of Finance, and PGM Nigeria Limited, has engaged Project Affected Persons (PAPs) as part of its efforts to sensitise stakeholders on the proposed reconstruction and upgrade of the Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV single-circuit transmission line.

A statement by Ndidi Mbah, GM, Public Affairs, on Tuesday explained that the programme, held on January 8, 2026, in Awka, brought together representatives of about fourteen communities in Anambra State. Communities in Abia and Imo States, numbering about seventy-nine, were also engaged along the transmission line corridor across the three states.

The workshop attracted representatives of the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, and non-governmental organisations, who gathered to deliberate on the successful implementation of the Alaoji–Onitsha power line project. An interactive session was also held, during which stakeholders discussed key issues and the way forward.

In his remarks, the Assistant General Manager (Transmission), Onitsha Sub-Region, Engr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo who represented the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, explained that the project is aimed at improving power supply in the region.

Inugonum called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure smooth execution, noting that the project would boost economic activities across the affected states. He assured participants that adequate compensation would be paid to individuals, families, and business owners impacted by the project.

Also addressing participants, the AGM/Project Manager, TCN African Development Bank Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Engr. Omobola Sobo, confirmed that provisions had been made by the government to compensate affected persons.

Engr. Sobo added that the project is one of its kind in the country, comprising two major transmission lines, the Mando–Rimi Zakara Double Circuit 330kV quad line in the North, spanning 204 kilometres, and the Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line, covering 138 kilometres. Both lines are designed to significantly increase power transmission capacity.

Earlier, the consultant from PGM Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bassey Uzodinma, explained that the number of affected structures was minimal, consisting mainly of residential and commercial buildings. He noted that the Right of Way (RoW) had been reduced, with impacts largely limited to fences, shops, and similar structures. According to him, about 355 structures are affected in Awka alone.

The Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line project cuts across three South-East states Anambra, Abia, and Imo.