…As TCN says Ibeju-Lekki power upgrade targets industrial growth, grid reliability
Compensation payments are set to commence for communities affected by the construction of the Mando-Rimin Zakara 330KV transmission line, following the release of funds by the Federal Government, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced.
TCN, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, AfDB, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme for Project Affected Persons, PAPs, held in Rimin Zakara Community, Kano State.
The event brought together traditional rulers from 25 host communities, local government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the forum, the Director of Transmission at the Federal Ministry of Power, Engr. Abinbola Ominiyi, said the project was critical to improving electricity supply and grid reliability in Kano and surrounding areas.
“This project will significantly enhance power supply in the region. We are appealing to all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure smooth implementation”, Ominiyi said, assuring that “adequate compensation will be paid to every affected person”.
Providing clarity on timelines, the Assistant General Manager Transmission, Kano Region, Engr. Ibrahim Aliyu, who represented the General Manager, confirmed that government funding for compensation has already been released.
“The Federal Government has released its portion of the compensation funds, and payment is expected to commence between now and April”, Aliyu stated.
He explained that early payment was aimed at preventing project delays and ensuring community buy-in as construction activities begin.
Also speaking, a consultant with Resource Field Nigeria Limited, Mr. David Ayomide Sanni, outlined the compensation process, stressing transparency and direct payment to beneficiaries.
“Compensation will be paid by cheque directly to the beneficiaries”, Sanni said, adding that PAPs must present their BVN, NIN and relevant documents to qualify.
He further disclosed that, beyond financial compensation, affected farmers would receive farm inputs at the conclusion of the exercise, as part of livelihood restoration measures.
The Mando-Rimin Zakara 330kV line is a key transmission infrastructure project expected to strengthen the national grid, reduce load constraints and support economic activities across Kano State and the wider North-West region.
Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Lagos Region, has moved to strengthen power supply to the fast-growing Ibeju-Lekki industrial corridor, as it met with the Lagos State Government, FGN Power Company, and other stakeholders to kick off the Ibeju-Lekki Power System Improvement Project.
The strategic meeting, held at the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, underscored the growing urgency to align transmission infrastructure with rising industrial, commercial, and residential power demand in the Lekki Free Zone axis.
Chairing the meeting, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, said the project is critical to sustaining Lagos State’s economic expansion, particularly in Ibeju-Lekki, which hosts major industrial investments.
“This project is central to our objective of delivering reliable electricity to support industrial growth, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for residents in the Ibeju-Lekki axis”, Ogunleye said.
Leading the TCN delegation, the General Manager, Transmission, Lagos Region, Engr. Mojeed Akintola, said the initiative reflects a coordinated effort to decongest the grid and improve system reliability in one of Nigeria’s most strategic economic zones.
“Our focus is to ensure that transmission infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid development in Ibeju-Lekki. Effective collaboration with state authorities and other stakeholders is key to delivering this project on schedule”, Akintola stated.
According to the TCN, discussions at the meeting centred on project timelines, stakeholder coordination, and early identification of potential implementation challenges, with a view to avoiding delays that could undermine power availability to industries and businesses.
Representatives of the FGN Power Company and other stakeholders also stressed the importance of seamless inter-agency cooperation, noting that improved transmission capacity would enhance electricity supply to critical economic assets, including industrial parks, manufacturing clusters, and emerging commercial hubs.
The Ibeju-Lekki Power System Improvement Project is expected to strengthen grid stability, reduce outages, and support Lagos State’s drive to position the axis as a major destination for local and foreign direct investment, reinforcing electricity as a backbone for sustainable economic growth.
