By our Correspondent
Barely weeks into his tenure, the new Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe is already recording tangible operational wins, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and key generation firms execute long-delayed improvements across the national grid.
In a series of developments underscoring a more responsive and resilient electricity network, TCN has successfully energized a new 300MVA power transformer at the critical Katampe transmission substation in Abuja.
According to the industry sources, the new unit will significantly expand the bulk transmission capacity feeding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs. The upgrade is expected to drastically reduce system congestion, minimize load-shedding, and provide a more stable supply to Abuja’s growing population and commercial hubs.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the system demonstrated unprecedented agility in fault management. Following the recent sudden failure of a 100MVA transformer elsewhere in the capital, TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) coordinated a rapid operation that restored electricity to all affected districts within 24 hours.
Observers and consumer groups have described the turnaround as highly commendable, noting that similar faults in the past often resulted in blackouts lasting several days.
The momentum extended to the generation side, where the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), now under the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, announced the successful revival of the 450MW Alaoji Power Plant.
The plant, which had remained largely inactive for approximately three years due to a combination of gas constraints and maintenance issues, has been brought back into service. If sustained and properly dispatched, the Alaoji facility could inject a substantial 450 megawatts into the national grid—a critical addition at a time when generation volumes have been under pressure.
Overall, the developments at Katampe, the rapid Abuja restoration, and the Alaoji revival represent a coordinated early statement from Minister Tegbe’s team – focusing on transmission resilience, operational accountability, and unlocking stranded capacity.
These early moves by the new minister are the most concrete signs of progress in the sector in recent memory. (GSF)
