Issue No.

33
March 2022

President Buhari Commissions

New Lafia 330kV Transmission
Substation.
FG Approves N1.4bn For
Power Transmission Projects
IN-HOUSE JOURNAL OF TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Niger, Ghanaian Presidents Kick Start

WAPP North Core Project Execution
MARCH 2022

FG Confirms
Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz
As Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, TCN
 EDITIONS OF
TCN TRANSMISSION NEWS
PUBLISHED IN 2021/2022

ber 2021
Decem

32
Issue No.

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of Powe
Minister
CEO TCN, cts
Ag. MD/
Power Proje
Inspect
na State
in Katsi
North
Complete
WAPP to smission Line
Core Tran ria and 3
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Linking by 2023
Countries

March 2022

33
Issue No.
 CONTENTS March 2022 / ISSUE 33

05 07

10

05 President Buhari 22 TCN takes delivery of

Commissions New Lafia 15 Brand New Power
330kV Transmission Transformer
Substation

FG Approves N1.4bn
23 Ukrainian Varsity Seeks
07 Partnership With TCN
For Power Transmission
Projects Honors TCN MD With 16
Award of Excellence

10 The Federal Government

Confirms Engr. Dr. Sule
Ahmed Abdulaziz as 24 WAPP To Restructure
Secretariat
MD/CEO - TCN

16 Niger, Ghanaian Presidents

29 MAN Seeks Collaboration
Kick Start The Execution
Of WAPP North Core Project
To Improve Bulk Power Supply
To The Idu Industrial Area 24
PAGE 3
 EDITORIAL
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
he first quarter of the year 2022 can be described as
mixed grill, with the completion of several projects and
others ongoing under the flagship strategy of the
Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance Rehabilitation and
Expansion Program (NEGMERP). The Federal Government
intervened in very positive ways even as the West African Power
Pool (WAPP) recorded landmark achievements. The period also
featured grid disturbance which stabilized by the end of the first
quarter with TCN management presently exploring hi-tech
measures to stem this destructive tide.
A new milestone record of 183 days system stability was
achieved from 28th July, 2021 to 27th January, 2022. This is
unprecedented in TCN history, surpassing the period; 12th June,
2020 to 29th November, 2020 in which TCN also recorded total
grid stability under the current TCN Management. This was
however disrupted by chronic poor gas supply which caused
some generating plants to shut down, drastically reducing power
generated into the grid and left TCN system operators constantly
struggling to stabilize the grid. The challenge lasted for over one
month, caused massive loadshedding, and of course darkness
gave way to more vandalism of installations.
Also, fault on generating units and unscheduled plants
maintenance all posed a great challenge to grid frequency,
management, stability and ultimately birthing system disturbance
during the period. Thankfully these have largely been resolved by
Federal Government intervention. The last grid collapse caused
by tower vandalism, left Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the
dark for over a month, even after grid restoration as the
connecting tower in Uyo had to be re-constructed from scratch.
It is imperative that solutions be found quickly to curb this
menace.
Over the months, TCN has been on its toes, repairing vandalized
installations even as it continues to execute new substations and
lines projects. The projects were further boosted when TCN took
delivery of fifteen new transformers of 150MVA and 60MVA
capacities from the Lagos Port, Apapa. Most of them have been
PAGE 4
March 2022/Issue 33
deployed to ongoing project sites nationwide. The West African
Power Pool (WAPP) under the chairmanship of Engr. Dr. Sule
Abdulaziz equally made landmark achievements with the
groundbreaking ceremony of the WAPP North Core project by the
Presidents of Niger and Ghana, and the execution of the
International Coordination Center (ICC). The ICC would soon be
commissioned, kickstarting a more efficient power trade among
WAPP member states.
The Honorable Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar D. Aliyu, has
continued to encourage and positively impact the sector in
diverse ways. This has helped TCN Management to surmount
challenges and achieve new milestones; commissioning of the
Lafia Transmission Substation by Mr. President and funding
approvals by the Federal Government for projects execution are
part of the products of his efforts.
TCN achievements since the inception of the present management
under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Sule A. Abdulaziz has equally
attracted commendations and accolades leading to his
confirmation by the Federal Government and also the presentation
of the Award of Excellence by a Ukrainian University.
With the determination of Management and the staunch
support of staff as well as the two in-house Unions, the year
2022 holds great hope that will light out challenges, and
ensure that our goal as the bulk transporter of electricity from
the generating companies to distribution load centers
nationwide is seamlessly accomplished.
This publication promises to be interesting as it provides
insights beyond technical issues for in-depth industry
perspective.
Happy reading !
Ndidi Mbah
Editor -in - Chief
COMMISSIONING
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NEW LAFIA 330kV
SUBSTATION, AS MINISTER ASSURES MAINTENANCE
I
n a major step to expand critical national power
infrastructure to boost power supply in the country,
President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the new
2X150MVA and 2X60MVA, 330/132/33 kilovolts (kV)
Transmission Substation at Akurba, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The President who was accompanied by the Nasarawa State
Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Governors of Plateau State,
Mr. Simon Lalong, Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu , Kogi
State, Yahaya Bello as well as the Minister of Power, Abubakar
Aliyu, and other top government functionaries, performed the
ceremony on Thursday, 24th February 2022, in Lafia, during his
two-day State visit to Nasarawa State.
The substation project which was funded by the Federal
Government through the National Integrated Power Projects
(NIPP) and built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company
PAGE 5
March 2022/Issue 33
By Eric Ephraim Ene
(NDPHC), is equipped with modern digital control and
protection facilities with a fully functional Human-Machine-
Interface (HMI) that enhances real-time control of the
substation's components.
The substation has the capacity to meet the 240MW load
demand of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)
which will enable it to enhance power supply to Nasarawa
State and also back-feed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking shortly after the epoch-making event, the Minister of
Power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu, commended the successful
execution and commissioning of the project, describing it as
one of the legacy projects of the Federal Government in
Nasarawa State that will significantly improve the electricity
supply in the State and environs.
COMMISSIONING
The Minister while outlining some of the benefits of the
substation, said it would enhance rapid growth in socio-
economic activities and also go a long way in wooing more
foreign investors which will bring about the creation of job
opportunities in the State.
“You know quality electricity can turn around so many things.
It can support the industries, small scale enterprises, hospitals,
and many more, which have become moribund due to lack of
electricity,” he said.
According to him, government has injected huge resources
into building the facility for the benefit of the people and
promised that the Federal Government, with key stakeholders
in the power sector such as TCN, and NDPHC, would ensure
routine maintenance of the facility.
Earlier in his speech, the Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, expressed appreciation to
President Buhari for the opportunity to deliver on the project
as well as the Governor of Nasarawa State for the support with
the donation of free land, as well as the engagement and
cooperation of the entire community.
The new 2X150MVA and 2X60MVA, 330/132/33 kilovolts (kV) Transmission Substation at Akurba, Lafia, Nasarawa State
PAGE 6
March 2022/Issue 33
He said the project was very strategic as Nasarawa State was
the only state in the country that was not connected to the
National grid before the administration of President Buhari. He
remarked that prior to the commissioning of the new project,
Nasarawa State received power supply through a single
distribution line from Akwanga, about 70km away which
negatively impacted the quality of supply and its usefulness.
Mr. Ugbo stated that due to the nature of the project, the
substation would become a transmission hub in the country as
TCN was already working on the 330kV transmission line from
Lafia to back-feed Abuja. He explained further that the station
was able to receive electricity from the Gas power plants in the
Southern part of the country and also from the Hydropower
plant in Niger State.
According to him, “supply from the new substation can serve at
least 1 million consumers and Abuja Electricity Distribution
Company (AEDC) has assured of efficient power evacuation of
electricity through the six feeders to consumers.”
The ceremony which was performed amidst pomp and
pageantry was witnessed by dignitaries, including the TCN
team, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz.
PROJECT FUNDING March 2022/Issue 33

FG APPROVES N1.4BN FOR POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECTS

...Attributes epileptic power to sabotage
By Uloma Osuagwu

The Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu

T
he Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved
N1.4billion for the supply of more equipment for
Transmission Company of Nigeria, to boost power
supply nationwide.
Meanwhile, Engr. Aliyu blamed the ongoing challenges
bedeviling the power sector, including the frequent grid
collapse, on acts of sabotage by elements who do not mean
well for Nigerians.

The Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, made this known
when he briefed State House Correspondents on the outcome
of the FEC meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu
Buhari on Wednesday, 13th April, 2022 in Abuja.
According to him, his two memos on variation of the sum of a
contract for 132/33 kV substation at Kafanchan, Kaduna State
with a line bay extension at Jos substation, in Plateau State in
the sum of N132,705, 861.42, and the supply of handling
equipment, haulage, and operational vehicles
N1,338,159,080.88, for the Transmission Company of Nigeria
(TCN), were graciously approved by the council.
Engr. Aliyu said that the haulage vehicles were heavy duty
lifting machines/vehicles required to move heavy equipment
such as transformers, tower members, etc to any of the TCN
stores or project site, while the operational vehicles are
necessary for field work to minimize downtime.
The Minister said the incidents, which include attacks and
abduction of expatriates working on various power projects,
as well as other attacks on electrical installations had delayed
the completion of some projects, and subsequently led to
blackouts in parts of the country.
He lamented that these acts of sabotage had robbed the
country of foreign investors, while appealing to Nigerians to
join the Federal Government in confronting their criminal act .
at
“You can call it sabotage because, how can somebody go and
pull down a 330kV tower to cause this havoc to the whole
country. What do you call that?” he pondered.
He said, “You're all aware the nation is facing a lot of challenges.
It's not only in the power sector, You must have heard about
insecurity on the Railway lines and communities are also being
attacked. The power sector is not exempted.”

PAGE 7
 ELECTRICITY BILL
SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER HOLDS
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ELECTRICITY BILL
S enate Committee on Power led by its Chairman, Sen.
Gabriel Suswan held a two-day Public Hearing on the
proposed Electricity Bill, 2022, with stakeholders in the
Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), on Monday, 28th
st
February 2022, and Tuesday, 1 March 2022, at the National
Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Making his submission at the hearing, the Managing Director/CEO
of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Dr Sule
Abdulaziz said that the company had extensively reviewed the Bill
and observed certain key issues that needed further
consideration by the lawmakers.
According to him, before the new electricity bill is passed into law,
there is a need to conduct an Audit of the current Electric Power
Sector Reform Act, (EPSRA). He noted that the EPSRA, Market
Rules, and Grid Code are well-developed documents that meet
acceptable international standards but not
all the sections of these documents are
used or enforced.
... TCN is in the
process of procuring
He explained that under the new Bill, the
a brand-new Supervisory
Incorporation and Licensing of the
Independent System Operator (ISO), has Control and Data
become inevitable but several Condition Acquisition (SCADA),
Precedents need to be met, such as
technological and infrastructural
requirements necessary for ISO to be independent of the
Transmission Service Provider (TSP). He noted also that the
Condition Precedents are to be driven by the industry as a whole
with peer bodies like the Initial Stakeholder Advisory Panel (ISAP)
and Grid Code Review Panel (GCRP), consisting of representatives
of GenCos, DisCos, Eligible Customers, and TCN.
Engr. Abdulaziz also revealed that presently, “It is only TCN that is
shouldering the burden of meeting the Condition Precedents for
ISO to operate independent of TSP, with the proposed
construction of two-brand new modern control centers in
Osogbo and Abuja, in addition to rehabilitating various substations
control equipment and communication for remote controllability
at the two new Control Centres. He also noted that TCN is in the
process of procuring a brand-new Supervisory Control and Data
PAGE 8
March 2022/Issue 33
By Grace Sambe-Jauro
Acquisition (SCADA), System, and urged the lawmakers to focus
more on conditions precedent for an independent ISO.
On the Land Acquisition and Access to Land, he raised concern
about the proposed bill where he disclosed that “the Acquisition of
Land and Access Rights Section of the current EPSRA is more
robust and effective than the proposed replacement in the new
bill. He explained that land acquisition is one of the biggest barriers
to the timely and efficient implementation of Power projects. A lot
of projects, he noted, have been delayed because of this, stating
the case of power delivery to Kano and Ondo States that have
been seriously hampered because of land acquisition-related
issues. He appealed that the Acquisition of Land and Access
Rights section of the current EPSRA should be further
strengthened.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on
Power, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, said the Public Hearing was designed
to seek input from stakeholders towards
the passage of the Bill which would
provide a uniform law for the sector, drive
and promote investors' confidence and
ensure sustainable power sector in
Nigeria.
It will be recalled that on Tuesday,
September 28th, 2021, the “Electricity Bill,
2021 (now Electricity Bill, 2022),
sponsored by Sen. Suswam, passed the
Second Reading in the Nigerian Senate and was referred to the
Senate Committee on Power for further legislative action. The
formulation of the Bill and its consequent introduction in the
Senate was preceded by a rigorous process involving an
industry-wide appraisal of extant operational and statutory lapses
confronting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) since
the conclusion of the privatization exercise in 2013.
Stakeholders present at the public hearing include the Minister of
Power Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity
Regulatory Commission (NERC), Heads of Nigerian Electricity
Management Services (NEMSA), Energy Commission of Nigeria
(ECN), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), MDs, and
representatives of Distribution as well as Generation Companies
(GenCos).
The world is changed
by your example
not your opinion
-Paul Coelho
CONFIRMATION
Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz
MD/CEO TCN
T
he President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed
Abdulaziz as the substantive Managing Director/Chief
Executive Officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN),
with effect from 4th of April, 2022.
Until his confirmation, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz was the
Acting Managing Director of TCN from 19th May, 2020 to 4th
April, 2022, responsible for the overall supervision of the affairs
of TCN, including transmission projects, transmission network
operations and maintenance, system operations, market
administration, human resources management and as the Chief
Accounting Officer.
Under his watch as the Ag. MD/CEO, TCN recorded milestone
achievements in projects execution and delivery, stable grid
management, and human resources management that
optimized personnel performance and productivity. Working
with an Executive Management consisting of four Executive
Directors, Engr Abdulaziz embarked on projects initiatives and
execution that significantly transformed TCN from a faltering
successor company in the post-privatization era to a viable
national and sub-regional transmission company. This is hardly
surprising as Engr. Dr. Abdulaziz brought to bear his over 25-
PAGE 10
March 2022/Issue 33
THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS
ENGR. DR. SULE
AHMED ABDULAZIZ
AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TCN
years of engineering experience and responsibility as a tested
project manager.
TCN's numerous achievements in the areas of projects
execution and delivery during his tenure in acting capacity are
attributable to sound leadership and keen focus on grid
expansion, rehabilitation, and maintenance as well as stability
and reliability in the transmission of bulk power across the
country. This was achieved through systematic
implementation of the flagship strategy program- the Nigeria
Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation
Program (NEGMERP), which he put in place to guide the
execution of capital and reinforcement projects across the
transmission regions in the country. He equally gave priority to
the maintenance of existing infrastructure with remarkable
success.
Engr. Dr. Abdulaziz has demonstrated deftness in project
execution and fund management by ensuring that all projects
under donor-funded schemes are professionally supervised
by specialized units of the company called Project
Management Units (PMUs). The execution of the donor
sponsored projects have progressed extensively and
milestones delivery have been as scheduled. The Abuja
CONFIRMATION March 2022/Issue 33

Feeding Scheme Project for instance which consists of one In his over 25 years of cognate experience in project
new 330kV line, two 330/132kV, and three 132kV management, administration, and fund management, the
transmission substations has progressed extensively and seasoned project engineer led the initiation and development
would be ready for commissioning by the end of the third of various strategic projects such as the construction of
quarter of 2022. The Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project 2x30/40MVA, 132/33kV Substations at Talata Mafara;
(NETAP) has also made remarkable progress as all construction of 2x60MVA, 132/33kV Substation at Keffi,
procurement processes have been concluded and most of the Daura and Kukwaba (Abuja Stadium), Kurfi, Malumfashi, Dustin-
packages are at the project implementation stage. Worthy of Ma, Kankara, Daura, Gagarawa, Lalante, and Igangan;
note is the recent delivery of 5 No 150MVA 330/132kV and construction of 1x150MVA 330/132kV Substation at
10 No 60MVA, 132/33kV Transformers at the same time to Maiduguri and construction of 2x150MVA, 330/132/33KV
TCN Central Stores at Ojo Lagos of which some have been Substation at Katsina; to mention a few.
moved to substation sites across the country for installation.
This is a very significant achievement in the history of the Since becoming the Ag MD/CEO of TCN, Engr. Dr. Abdulaziz
power sector in Nigeria. has been the Chairman of the Executive Board of the West
African Power Pool (WAPP) and under his guided leadership
His collaborative and non-coercive management approach of the sub-regional body, the groundbreaking ceremony to
has engendered synergy and consultation among sister mark the commencement of the North Core Project which is a
agencies and other sector players transmission project that is to
who TCN now recognizes as its interconnect Benin, Togo, Burkina
His collaborative and non-coercive
customers and partners in the Faso, Niger and Nigeria for cross-
Nigerian Electricity Supply management approach has engendered border electricity trade was recently
Industry (NESI). This marks a synergy and consultation among sister held in Niger Republic.
major paradigm shift from what agencies and other sector players who TCN
used to be the case. Special now recognizes as it customers and Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz is a
attention is now dedicated to partners in the Nigerian Electricity Supply thoroughbred professional who is a
resolving Disco-TCN interface registered Power Engineer with
Industry (NESI),
issues to ensure seamless delivery COREN and a Fellow of both the
of bulk power to the load centers Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE)
nationwide. and the Nigeria Institute of Power Engineers (NIPE). He is also
a chartered member of the Nigeria Institute of Management
Engr. Abdulaziz has also distinguished himself as a skilled (NIM) and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). He holds a
human resources manager who has brought industrial Master of Science in Electronics/Automation Engineering
harmony to TCN and has continued to maintain a non- from the Technical University in Sofia, Bulgaria. Engr. Abdulaziz
interference and non-divisive policy in dealing with labor has attended several trainings and self-developmental
unions and union matters. He has equally enhanced capacity courses in the general field of engineering and electrical
development by strategically investing in the training and engineering both in Nigeria and abroad in the following non-
retraining of staff to bridge skills gap among others. exclusive areas, Engineering Project Management and
Execution; Design, Operation, and Maintenance of High
Before becoming the Acting MD/CEO of TCN, Dr. Abdulaziz Voltage Power Equipment; System Planning and Analysis; and
was the General Manager (Projects) at the corporate Effective and Strategic Procurement.
headquarters, from where he subsequently became the
Regional Transmission Manager of Shiroro and Abuja Regions The confirmation of his appointment we believe, would
with responsibility for various operational and managerial positively impact the Power Sector and also entrench
functions including the wheeling of bulk power to the continuity in TCN.
Distribution Companies (DisCos). He also coordinated and
supervised equipment maintenance and repairs, transmission We at TCN are excited at this development and wish Engr. Dr.
network reliability, security and expansion; inventory and Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz a fruitful and successful tenure as we
stock management, maintaining fiscal responsibility and pledge our support and cooperation to his leadership.
accountability of the regional offices.

PAGE 11
PMO
MINISTER OF POWER INAUGURATES
PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE
In furtherance of the Federal Government's resolve to increase
the efficiency of power supply in the Nigerian Electricity
Supply Industry (NESI) through the Presidential Power
Initiative (PPI)-SIEMENS Project, the Minister of Power, Engr.
Abubakar Aliyu, FNSE, on Tuesday, 15th February 2022,
inaugurated a 10-man Project Management Office (PMO)
team to oversee the implementation of segments of the
Siemens Power Project at the Power House, Abuja.
The PMO, created to work with the Technical and Regulatory
Committee of the Ministerial Power Sector Working Group
(MPSWG), is to undertake the technical aspect of the PPI, and
among other things, ensure the free flow of information and
timely execution of projects approval without recourse to the
MPSWG board which sits every 2 to 3 months. This is to fast
track earlydelivery of PPI-SIEMENS Project.
Engr. Aliyu said the PPI, an initiative of the President
Muhammadu Buhari administration which began with the
Middle: Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu in a group photograph with the 10-Man Committee Memebrs
PAGE 12
March 2022/Issue 33
By Uloma Osuagwu
signing of an agreement with German technology firm,
SIEMENS, will be undertaken in three phases; Phase 1 is to
quickly raise the operational capacity of the Nigerian
Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to 7,000MW, Phase 2 to
11,000MW, and Phase 3 to 25,000MW by 2025.
Explaining the composition of the members of the PMO who
were carefully selected based on competence and technical
background, Engr. Aliyu stated that the team comprises three
(3) independent experts and seven (7) other members drawn
from the Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN), Ministry of
Power, Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company,
(FGNPC), Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and
Ministry of Works and Housing.
He charged the newly inaugurated team to be up and doing in
discharging its mandate, and assured them of his support as the
Chairman of the Technical and Regulatory Committee of the
Presidential Power Initiative.
PMO
Responding, the Head of the PMO, Engr.
Mustafa B. Shehu thanked the Minister of
Power and pledged the commitment of
members to work as a team to achieve
the mandate of taking the power sector
to greater heights. “…we are going to
give our all to make sure that we meet
the expectation of not only your board,
but also Nigerians and to ensure that
there is a remarkable improvement in
power supply in the country through the
intervention of the Presidential Power
Initiative.”
He identified as a challenge, the diversity
of players and their roles in the NESI
value chain, and promised that the PMO
would take a holistic look at the industry
with a view to closing observed gaps in
PAGE 13
March 2022/Issue 33
the respective complementary
roles and utilizing redundancies to
The PMO, created to work cover gaps wherever they may
with the Technical and exist.
Regulatory Committee of
The 10 members of the Committee
the Ministerial Power
include; Engr. Mustafa B. Shehu -
Sector Working Group
(Head), Paul Nickson –
(MPSWG), is to undertake (Independent member, Deputy
the technical aspect of the Head), Geoffrey O. Nwokoye –
PPI, and among other (Independent Member), Dahiru
things, ensure free flow of Isiyaku – (TCN Member), Olufemi
information, and timely Akinyelure – (FMWH Member),
execution of projects Rabiu Yusuf – (FMOJ Member),
Ekanem Effiong – (FMP Member),
approval without recourse
Idowu Oyebanjo – (FGNPC
to the MPSWG board
Member), Dahiru Moyi – (FMFBNP
Member), and Nabila Aguele –
(FMFBNP), Secretary of the
Committee.
AFD FUNDING
AFD SCORES TCN HIGH ON ONGOING ABUJA
RING FENCE TRANSMISSION PROJECTS
(Middle) AFD Country Director, Mr Xavia Murou with his Team being conducted around the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Gwarimpa Gas Insulated Substation
T
he French Development Agency, (AFD), has scored the
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) high on the
implementation of five transmission projects and a
transmission line under the Abuja Ring Fence Transmission
Projects. The ongoing projects comprising two 330kV
substations, three 132kV substations, and a 330kV
transmission line is an intervention project that is aimed at
expanding transmission wheeling capacity in Abuja such that
it will not experience power transmission constraints in the
next 20 years.
The AFD team led by its Country Director, Mr. Xavia Murou,
was conducted round by the TCN team for an on-the-spot
assessment tour of the five project sites in Abuja recently.
Speaking at the site of the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Gwarimpa
Gas Insulated Substation (GIS), Mr. Murou expressed the
team's satisfaction with the level of project execution. In his
PAGE 14
March 2022/Issue 33
By Stella Ejikonye
words, “we are very impressed with the progress made in
executing the project because we know it had taken a lot of
time to start up, but now we can see a lot of work going on.
Hopefully, very soon, communities will start benefiting from it
and that is exactly what we are aiming for. Being closer to
achievement, it is important for us to make sure that the
project continues seamlessly.”
Commenting on the delivery date for the project, Mr. Murou
said; “I was told the delivery day will be in the month of July
and if it coincides with the French National Day on the 14th, I
will be happy to come that day with our flags so that we can
celebrate with the communities and TCN of course.”
The AFD Energy Project Manager, Anne-Sophie Rakoutz, on
her part, lauded TCN for the progress made so far, saying, “It's
great to see the projects being built up and almost completed.
TCN is doing a very good job, given the fact that this kind of
AFD FUNDING
job is quite complex. Also, the engineers have reported that
this project will clearly reinforce the stability of the grid and
contribute to reducing technical losses.”
She expressed appreciation for their active participation and
persistence, noting that TCN has been a strong partner of AFD
in the last few years.
The inspection team also visited the 2x150MVA 132/33kV
Lugbe West Main Transmission Substation to assess the level
of project execution. There, the team observed that the
equipment for the substation was already on ground and
initial civil works were ongoing.
PAGE 15
March 2022/Issue 33
At the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Kuje Transmission Substation,
work was also ongoing. Upon completion, the Substation will
boost bulk power supply to distribution load centers at the
Kuje Area Council where more public, commercial and
residential buildings were fast springing up. The inspection
team equally visited the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Wumba
Transmission Substation where the site had been cleared and
power equipment was already being delivered to the site.
The AFD site visit was concluded at the
330/132kV New Apo Transmission
Substation. The New Apo 2x150MVA,
3x60MVA transmission Substation project, will
be the “Mother Substation” for the third source
of bulk power supply coming through Lafia,
from the Makurdi -Jos 330kV transmission line.
The other sources are the 330/132kV Shiroro
- Katampe Transmission Line, and the
330/132kV Geregu - Gwagwalada
Transmission Line.
Speaking at the New Apo substation site, the
TCN- AFD Project Manager, Engr. Jane Okemini
lauded the TCN Management team led by the
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer, Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, for prompt
intervention in clearing the project equipment
from the ports. Engr. Okemini further stated that
the projects were on track and that work was
progressing in line with the new completion
date, regretting however the delayed
completion and commissioning due to COVID
19 pandemic, as well as the introduction of the
e-IDEC at the ports.
The Abuja Ring Fence Transmission Project will
add 624MW bulk energy transmission capacity
to the national grid. With the completion of this
project, transmission capacity in the Abuja axis
will always be ahead of load demand in Abuja
for a very long time. The Abuja Feeding Scheme
is a green-field undertaking; a brand new
project executed from scratch - and is being
wholly funded by the AFD.
The Project site assessment exercise was part
of the Agency's first mission visit for 2022 and was aimed at
monitoring and providing timely intervention that would
ensure the scheduled actualization of the projects.
 GROUND BREAKING
NIGER, GHANAIAN PRESIDENTS KICK START THE
EXECUTION OF WAPP NORTH CORE PROJECT
(Middle) President of Niger Republic and Ghana, Mr. Mohammed Bazoum and Mr. Nana Dankwa Akuffo- Addo and
Ministers in-charge of Energy in ECOWAS Member States.
T
he West African Power Pool (WAPP), made history
recently, with the groundbreaking ceremony of the
WAPP North Core transmission project at the site for
the construction of a high-voltage transmission substation in
Gorou Banda, Niamey, Niger Republic. The epoch-making
event, which took place on 22nd February, 2022 signaled the
commencement of the implementation stage of the North
Core Project, one of the priority projects of the West African
Power Pool.
Mr. Oudou AMBOUKA, the Governor of Niamey Region, stated
in his welcome speech that the launch of the North Core
project was a major step in the realization of the regional
electricity market. The transmission line, he said, would link
five WAPP member states of Niger Republic, Nigeria, Burkina
Faso, Benin, and Togo to the WAPP transmission network.
According to him, the project's scope comprises a 330kV
high-voltage line, five new transformer substations, control
room and data acquisition system upgrades, and fiber optics
installation along the transmission line route. He emphasized
that the volume, quality, viability, and cost of bulk power traded
between WAPP member countries, which was a crucial
concern in the project's design, will determine the project's
success.
PAGE 16
March 2022/Issue 33
By Ndidi Mbah
Speaking during the event, H.E Mahamane Sani Mahamadou,
Niger's Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energies,
stated that the project was one of the most important in the
ECOWAS sub-region because, once completed, it would
increase the sub-region's capacity by 500 megawatts, helping
to solve electricity deficit within the sub-region, while
strengthening the countries existing capacity. The increase in
bulk power would equally improve accessibility, particularly in
rural areas, and help to standardize electricity rates.
Addressing the gathering, the WAPP Chairman Engr. Dr. Sule
Abdulaziz, said that the 913km, 330kV high voltage
transmission line would emanate from Nigeria's Birnin Kebbi
Substation through Niger's Zabori and Niamey to
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with a bypass from Zabori to feed
Malanville in Benin Republic.
The project he noted, is part of efforts to fulfill the mandate of
WAPP which is to integrate the operations of national
electricity networks of WAPP member states into a unified
regional electricity market.
The Project financing, he explained, was concluded in 2016,
while the establishment of the Project Management Unit that
would directly supervise the project, was concluded in 2019.
He disclosed that the contracts were awarded in 2021 and
contractors would soon mobilize to site.
 GROUND BREAKING
He stated that the total cost of the North Core project was USD
568 million, to be co-financed by the Agence Française de
Développement (AFD), the African Development Bank (ADB),
the World Bank (WB), the European Union, and the Federal
Government of Nigeria.
Dr. Abdulaziz however cautioned on the need to urgently find
a solution to the lingering challenge of insecurity in the area, to
enable timely project implementation.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Mr. Sadiko
Douka, who also spoke during the event, expressed the hope
that the project would achieve the aspiration of increasing
cross-border trade in electricity as well as extend access to
populations along the transmission line routes.
He expressed satisfaction that despite numerous challenges
posed by the COVID 19 pandemic and insecurity within the
sub-region, the project had recorded tremendous progress
since the commencement of financing and inauguration of the
Project Management Unit in 2016 and 2019 respectively. The
North Core Project, he said, was planned for commissioning in
2024.
(Middle) Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energies, H. E. Mohamane Sani Mahamadou
flanked by the Secretary General of WAPP and Staff of WAPP Secretariat.
PAGE 17
March 2022/Issue 33
The high point of the ceremony was the laying of the
foundation for the 330kV WAPP North Core transmission
project by the Presidents of the Niger Republic and Ghana, Mr.
Mohammed Bazoum, and Mr. Nana Dankwa Akuffo-Addo. In
attendance was the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger,
Ministers in charge of Power/Energy and Defense, of Nigeria,
Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo as well as the ECOWAS
Commissioner for Mines and Energy.
Others include the Secretary-General of WAPP, members of
the Diplomatic Corps & International Organizations, Directors
General and Heads of Utilities in the WAPP, and the WAPP
North Core Director. The high-profile attendance at the
ground breaking ceremony was a reflection of the importance
of the North Core Project to the electric power sector within
the West African sub-region.
The WAPP North Core project is a game-changer that will
shape the energy landscape of the sub-region through
effective cross border power trade, and allowing increased
access to electricity supply. The Project is part of the ECOWAS
2019 – 2033 Master Plan for the Development of Regional
Generation and Transmission Infrastructure.
 WAPP
2ND WAPP JOINT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE MEETING
(L-R) MD/CEO, TCN, Engr. (Dr) Sule Abdulaziz, Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu and
Minister of Energy, Niger Republic, H.E. Mahamane Sani Mahamadou
The West African Power Pool held its second Joint
Ministerial Steering Committee (JMSC) meeting recently at
the Centre International de Conference Mahatma Gandhi,
Niamey, Niger on 21st February 2022.
The meeting comprising Ministers in charge of Energy
/Power and Defense from Nigeria, Niger, Togo, Benin, and
Burkina Faso was convened by the West African Power
Pool, to discuss the commencement of implementation of
the WAPP North Core Project that would transverse the
five WAPP member countries as well as strategize on the
execution of the Project amidst the current insecurity
situation bedeviling the region.
While declaring the meeting open, Minister of Petroleum,
Power, and Renewable Energy for Niger Republic, H.E.
Mahamane Sani Mahamadou lauded the efforts of ECOWAS,
WAPP, and the participating countries for their commitment
to the realization of the project, noting that it had become a
model for successful regional integration.
PAGE 18
March 2022/Issue 33
He commended the World Bank, African Development Bank,
French Development Agency, and the European Union for
their financial support thus far and the Ministers in charge of
Power in the respective participating countries for granting
the request for a waiver to execute work contracts before
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)and Transmission
Service Agreements (TSA) are signed in line with the
resolution of the 1st Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Steering
Committee (JMSC) on June 10, 2021, in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to him, the Waiver had enabled the Project
Monitoring Unit (PMU) to sign works contracts with the
contractors and also to organize the groundbreaking
ceremony which would hold after the Ministerial meeting.
The Minister remarked that the Ministerial Meeting was a
platform for participants to highlight progress recorded in
the project implementation process and to make
recommendations that would impact its further execution
to ensure timely delivery. He counseled on the need for all
participating countries to implement actions and integrate
strategies that would ensure adequate security to enable
 WAPP March 2022/Issue 33

consolidation of the achievements made. In this regard, M.
Mahamane called upon the Ministers of Defence and
Security of the five countries to make concrete
commitment towards the establishment of peace which is
sine qua non for the success of the North Core Project.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General, West African Power
Pool (WAPP), M. Siengui Apollinaire KI, lauded the efforts of
the Ministers in charge of Power in the five countries for
collectively promoting the project which will facilitate
electricity trade among WAPP member countries, and
promote socio-economic development.
Mr. KI expressed profound gratitude to the Ministers of
Defense for attending the Joint Ministerial Steering
Committee, noting that their presence showed support for
the Project and that the meeting afforded them the
opportunity to have first-hand information regarding
security challenges affecting the Project.
He explained that the North Core Project was one of the
priority projects of the ECOWAS Master Plan for the
Development of Regional Systems for the Generation and
Transmission of Electricity involving the construction of
transmission project of approximately 913 km of 330kV
and 225kV transmission lines from Birnin Kebbi in Nigeria to
Ougadougou in Burkina Faso through Niger with a
diversion to Zabori to connect Benin.
measures among which is the implementation of a
Resettlement Action Plan that would provide compensation
for persons and communities affected by the project.
Referring to the last meeting of the Joint Ministerial
Steering Committee in June 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria, the
WAPP Secretary-General said that significant progress had
been made towards procuring lines and substation works
and that processes for the commencement of the
Environmental and Social Management Plans as well as the
Resettlement Action Plan had started, necessitating the
official groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
M. Siengui KI disclosed that the first Joint Ministerial
Steering Committee meeting held in Abuja in 2021,
resolved that the countries should constitute their
respective National Committee comprising the various
armed security operatives to provide security for the
Project. He further disclosed that the Government of Niger
had already set up its own outfit to provide security for the
construction of the 330 kV lines in its zone and urged
others to urgently set up their own security outfits.
The JMSC meeting featured presentations by the Project
Monitoring Unit (PMU) of the North Core Project which
centered mainly on the Status of Project Implementation as
of January 31, 2022, and issues of insecurity in the project
areas. Ministers in charge of security in the respective
member states were also in attendance.

Mr. Appollonaire mentioned other aspects of the Project to

i n c l u d e , t h e
const ruct ion of a
medium voltage
network to feed the
rural communities
located within 5 km
radius on both sides of
the line in Niger and
Burkina Faso as well as a
by-pass (currently
undergoing survey)
w h i c h w o u l d
subsequently link up
Togo through Burkina
Faso. The Project, he
said also involves the
establishment of key
environmental and
Participants at the 2nd Joint Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting
social mitigation

PAGE 19
 WAPP ACTIVITIES March 2022/Issue 33

PICTURE SPEAK
Ground breaking ceremony of 913km, 330kV/225kV WAPP Northcore
Regional Interconnection Transmission Project that will connect
Nigeria, Niger, Benin/Togo to Burkina Faso

Groundbreaking ceremony performed by the President of Map showing the 330kV WAPP Northcore Regional Interconnection
Niger Republic, Mohammed Bazoum, and his Ghanian counterpart, H.E. Nana Project from Nigeria -Niger -Benin/Togo to Burkina Faso. In Niamey,
Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Chairman of the Authority of Heads of Niger Republic.
State and Government of ECOWAS

Cross section of delegates at the ceremony

Meeting of Finance Directors of electricity utilities in the West

African Power Pool (WAPP)

(L-R) Late Engr. Joseph Makoju, ED TSP, Engr. Victor Adewumi and WAPP Photograph of Participants at the WAPP Finance Directors Meeting
Secretary General, Mr Seingui Appollonaire KI during the
Finance Directors Meeting

PAGE 20
 WAPP ACTIVITIES March 2022/Issue 33

PICTURE SPEAK
2nd Joint Ministerial Steering Committee (JMSC) Meeting
of West African Power Pool, with Ministers of Energy and
Heads of Security of Nigeria - Niger- Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo

R-L;Minister of Energy, Niger Republic, Minister of Power, Nigeria, Engr. Heads of Security of Niger, and Benin Republic
Abubakar Aliyu, and Chairman WAPP, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz

Ministers of Energy and Heads of Security of

TCN Delegates Nigeria - Niger- Burkina Faso and Togo

WAPP Executive Board on study tour of Europe

Members of the WAPP Executive Board visiting the Rtd. Bampus for WAPP Executive Board on study tour of Europe, being received by the
Technological Excellence as well as the Rte Regional Control Center Management of Rtd. the French Transmission Company at their
in Lyon France in continuation of their study tour of Europe. headquarters in Paris France.

PAGE 21
NEW TRANSFORMERS
TCN TAKES DELIVERY OF 15 BRAND
NEW POWER TRANSFORMERS
F
ifteen brand new power transformers comprising 5 No.
number 150MVA 330/132kV and 10 No. 60MVA
132/33kV capacity transformers have been delivered
to TCN Central Store in Ojo from the Lagos Port, earlier in
February, for onward delivery to various TCN project sites
nationwide.
The delivery of the transformers’, which is unprecedented in
TCN History, is part of efforts by TCN Management to ensure
the steady implementation of its transmission expansion
strategy. Speaking on this, MD/CEO, TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule
Abdulaziz disclosed that the contract for the supply of the
transformers was funded by the World Bank under the Nigerian
Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP), while their
deployment and installation would be at the discretion of
Management.
He further disclosed that on installation and connection to the
grid, the 10 No. 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers and
the 5 No. 150MVA 330/132kV transformers would add
510MW and 637MW respectively to the transmission
network, consequently increasing the capacity of the
transmission system by 1147.5MW. The new transformers will
also ensure N-1 reliability criteria in the substations where
they will be installed, which is strategic in enhancing grid
stability.
PAGE 22
March 2022/Issue 33
Engr. Abdulaziz recalled that the World Bank had earlier in
August 2021, also funded transformer supply contracts which
brought in 10 No 60MVA132/33kV transformers and 25 No
earthing transformers. Five (5) out of the ten (10) 60MVA
transformers, were installed in Karu and Gombe Substations,
two (2 ) were installed in Kano, and the last one in Lagos State.
In his words, “This is the first time in the history of TCN that it
would be taking delivery of a large number of transformers at
the same time. This is a part of the milestone achievements of
TCN as it strives to implement its short-term development plan
under the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and
Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP). The World Bank-
sponsored NETAP project is only one of the TCN donor-
funded projects aimed at expanding the transmission grid,
while also prioritizing maintenance of the existing transmission
infrastructures.
TCN is equally executing several projects funded by the
Agence Français de Développement (AFD). Meanwhile,
processes for projects funded by the African Development
Bank (AfDB) are ongoing and contracts will soon be signed for
the execution of 330kV & 132kV Substations. Again, the
procurement of consultants for projects funded by the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will soon commence.
 AWARD March 2022/Issue 33

UKRAINIAN VARSITIES SEEK PARTNERSHIP

WITH TCN ON TRAINING;
HONORS TCN MD WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

By Bili Kazah Akau

A delegation from the L'VIV University of

Business and Law and the VN Karazin
Kharkiv National University met with the
Management of TCN in Abuja to explore
possibilities for partnership with the company in
the area of training and manpower development.

The delegation, which was led by Dr. Cliff Ogbede,

the Chairman of FTAISA Skills Training &
Entrepreneurship Development Center and
Country Representative for the two Universities,
expressed the interest of both universities in
collaborating with TCN in manpower development
while assuring that both universities have
3rd left; MD/CEO TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz receiving Award of
comprehensive training programs that will suit Excellence by the VN Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ukraine
TCN’s capacity building needs.
Representing VN Karazin Kharkiv National University, the Dean
The Director of the Center for International Education of the
of the School of International Economic Relations and Travel
Ukrainian L'VIV University for Business and Law, Ogla
Business, Mr. Valeriy Ryeznikov, said the institution was
Orestivna Krasnopera, said the L'VIV University, which,
founded in 1804 and covers over 25 science departments
founded in 2003, was a fast-developing institution that
such as Natural Science, Social Science, and Humanitarian
provides courses in modern and contemporary areas of
Science. Others are Nuclear Power, Geology (oil And Gas),
studies. It has the highest level of accreditation, thus making it
Geography, and Green Energy.
one of the leading educational institutions in Eastern Europe in
training highly qualified personnel in Economic Law,
Ryeznikov said that the University is rated amongst the best
International Relations, and Journalism Sectors, Among Several
500 Universities in the world with 3 Noble Laureates in
Others.
Sciences to their credit.

According to her, the University has partnerships with global

The high point of the meeting was the presentation of the
universities in Poland, Germany, and United States. It is also part
Award of Excellence, to Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, MD, TCN,
of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), a global
by the VN Karazin Kharkiv National University for his significant
initiative that brings together higher education institutions
contribution toward strengthening relations between the
with the United Nations to actively support globally
University and Nigeria in the field of Education, Human
recognized principles related to human rights, literacy,
Resource Development, and Intercultural Communication.
sustainable development, and conflict resolution.

Receiving the award, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz expressed delight at

She declared the University's interest in partnering with TCN
the kind gesture of the NV Karazin Kharkiv National University
for the training of staff and other industry workers on courses
in honouring him with the award and expressed hope that the
that will acquaint them with modern technology and
partnership with the Ukranian Universities would be mutually
innovations that will enhance efficient service delivery and
beneficial especially as TCN places premium importance on
overall performance of the company.
capacity development.

PAGE 23
 WAPP
WAPP TO RESTRUCTURE SECRETARIAT, INTENSIFIES
PLANS FOR REGIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET
T he West African
Power Pool (WAPP)
is set to restructure
its Secretariat in readiness
for the launch of the Regional
Electricity Market (REM).
Speaking at the 53rd meeting
of the WAPP Executive
Board in Cotonou, Republic of
nd
Benin on 2 April 2022, the
Chairman of the Board, Engr. L-R Secretary General WAPP, Mr. Siengul Appollinaire Ki and Chairman East block and the Central
WAPP Executive Board, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, MD/CEO-TCN.
(Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz
said the restructuring of the WAPP Secretariat was
imperative for its envisaged role in the emerging electricity
market.
He said, “This is an important step in the implementation of
the competitive phase of the Regional Market. We need a
competent and experienced consultant who can propose
an appropriate restructuring plan for our consideration.”
“When the regional market comes on stream, he noted,
power operators in the member countries will be able to sell
excess electricity to utility firms across countries and earn
foreign exchange”, he added
Abdulaziz, who is also the Managing Director of the
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), said the Executive
Board meeting was coming five months after the previous
session in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He seized the
opportunity of the meeting to reiterate the need for timely
payment of dues, by members of the Pool.
According to him, “If we keep in mind that we are putting in
place critical infrastructure which is of paramount
importance for our sub-region, I mean the Regional
Electricity Market, then we should continue to strive to pay
our dues on time for a few more years.”
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of WAPP, Siengui
Apollinaire Ki, gave an update on some WAPP projects
especially those relating to the regional market. He said,
“installation of network and market management
equipment is about 94% complete and progressing without
PAGE 24
March 2022/Issue 33
By Ndidi Mbah
major difficulty. To date, the
on-site acceptance tests are
almost complete and staff
training is ongoing.”
He stated further that WAPP
was currently synchronizing
power networks in the West
African Sub-region.
According to him, the
synchronization test of the
block was planned for June
2022, while that of the test
of whole network of the Pool would expectedly take place
in September 2022.
Regarding the status of the contribution of WAPP member
utilities to the WAPP Budget, he noted that more member
utilities were beginning to respond, with some making part
payments while nine (9) had fully paid up. During the
meeting, two new members were inducted into the
Executive Board, namely the Director-General of Sonabel,
(SBEE) Mr. Gerand Zagrodink, and the Director-General of
Nigerien Electricity Company (NIGELEC), Engr. Alhassane
Halid.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Executive Board paid an
inspection visit to the WAPP Information and Coordination
Center (ICC), which is expected to be completed by the
third quarter of 2022. The ICC will serve as the main center
for regional grid coordination and electricity market
management including billing and settlement.
It was noted that the deployment of necessary equipment
such as Supervisory and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and
Energy Management System (EMS) at the Center, and
linking systems of national utilities to the ICC had advanced
substantially.
The ICC will serve as the regional System Market Operator,
ensure transparency and Market neutrality, enforce
common operating rules, harmonize protection schemes,
and calculate net transfer capacity among others.
 ISO March 2022/Issue 33

ISO Hosts Stakeholders Bi-Annual Planning Meeting

Tosin Olashinde

B etween September Speaking at the event, the

2021 and early March
2022, the nation's grid
had zero total system collapse,
a performance that indicates
that the power sector was on
the right track, said the General
Manager of the National Control
Centre (NCC), Engr. Balarabe
Abdullahi while appraising the
operation of the national grid,
d u r i n g t h e
generation/operation/DisCo Bi-Annual Planning meeting
held on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th March 2022, Lagos
State.
According to him, the grid had witnessed significant stability
since the last meeting six months ago, being the longest since
the unbundling of PHCN in 2013. He attributed this mainly to
improvements in remote stations' visibility with the
deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) and Virtual Private
Network solutions (VPN).
The GM, NCC-Nigeria Communication Commission
appreciated stakeholders for their contributions and
commended the synergy which equally impacted grid stability,
and noted that the outcome of the bi-annual planning meeting
was strategic as it would give direction to, and form part of the
important considerations for decision-making in the power
sector.
Speaking on the downward trend in grid frequency reading
between December 2, 2021, and February 4, 2022, Engr.
Balarabe said that the trend was attributable to several factors
including gas supply inadequacy, transmission constraints,
power evaluation, and incessant tripping of 330kV
transmission lines among others.
General Manager ISO, Engr.
Nafisa Ali reiterated that “Grid
capacity had improved with a
significant reduction in system
collapses,” and urged
stakeholders to determine to
do things differently in order to
achieve more feats.
She attributed the
improvement witnessed in grid
stability to the collective effort
of stakeholders in the sector,
adding that year 2021 witnessed an all-time peak generation
which was efficiently transmitted with the least number of
collapses.
In his comments, the MD/CEO of Pacific Energy Company
Limited (Olorunsogo Power Plant) Engr. Abubakar Ibrahim
noted that everyone's contribution to the national grid was
very important, and consequently sued for continued
collaboration among stakeholders. He enjoined all to strive to
avoid anything that could destabilize the system.
Presentations and projections for the next six (6) months
were made by stakeholders. A recurring issue in all the
presentations was the challenge posed by the current gas
constraints as some gas stations were yet to recommence
production.
The biannual generation/ operation/DisCo planning meeting
is a forum for stakeholders to appraise the operation of the
grid every six months and forecast future operations. It also
provides an opportunity for members to network, integrate,
and relate with one another.

He urged the stakeholders to always plan ahead and think

outside the box when searching out avenues of overcoming
operational challenges and appealed for cooperation with the
NCC by ensuring that they operate within the ambits of the
Grid Code, Market Rules, and other ruling documents in order
to achieve grid sustainability.

PAGE 25
 FINANCE DIRECTOR March 2022/Issue 33

WAPP DIRECTORS OF FINANCE OF MEMBER

UTILITIES HOLD 3RD FORUM MEETING IN ABUJA

By Kazah Bili Akau

L-R - Chairman Finance Committee, Secretary General WAPP, Group Photograph of Participants
Executive Director TSP-TCN and Honorary Member Executive
Board WAPP

The Directors of Finance of Electric Utility Companies of the
West African Power Pool (WAPP) member countries
converged in Abuja, Nigeria for its third forum meeting,
February 28 to March 2, 2022, to strategize on the funding
of WAPP priority projects in the region.
The Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP)
Executive Board and MD/CEO of TCN, Engr. (Dr) Sule
Ahmed Abdulaziz, who declared the forum open, cautioned
members on the need to pay their dues to enable the
organization effectively run its activities, noting that no
meaningful work can be achieved without adequate
financing.
Dr. Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive
Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) in TCN, Engr.
Victor Adewumi appealed to participating countries to
make payments promptly as the funds were strategic to the
entire process of advancing the building of a robust power
pool for the West African region.
According to him, without adequate financing for the
Secretariat, WAPP cannot ensure the proper supervision of
ongoing projects in the Pool, neither can it recruit and retain
a qualified and educated workforce that is essential to
running the system.
The General Secretary of WAPP, Mr. Siengui Appolinaire Ki,
stated that the meeting which is held biannually is aimed at
educating financial players who are not engineers in WAPP
member utilities about the activities of WAPP and the
imperative for funding of the organization. He stressed that
such sensitization would enable them to have insight into
projects being implemented by WAPP as well as other
expenditure details. He commented that the maiden edition
of the forum was held in Senegal, while the second was in
Bamako.
The Chairman, Finance Committee of WAPP, Ebenezer
Tagoe, who also spoke on the need for prompt payment of
dues, said that the meeting would avail member countries
the opportunity to brainstorm on avenues for revenue
generation, especially from subscriptions. He said there is a
need to showcase more purposefully the activities and
operations of WAPP to enable financiers/contributors to
appreciate the need to act promptly when demand for
payment of contributions is made.
An honorary member of the organization and also former
Managing Director of defunct Nigeria's National Electric
Power Authority (NEPA), Engr. Joseph Makoju, in his
remarks, lamented that the greatest challenge faced by the
industry today was that consumers see electricity as a
public good that they should enjoy for free.
He noted that this mentality has brought about illiquidity in
the system, distorting the activities of Distribution
Companies (DisCos), and called on the regional
organization to take up the responsibility of sensitizing
citizens of the sub-region in this regard.

PAGE 26
 EKO March 2022/Issue 33

Eko DisCo Requests Increase in Bulk Power Supply

By Stanford Nneji

said the company

currently receives
between 400 –
450MW from the
national grid which was
no longer meeting the
current demand of its
customers, noting that it
also has expansion plans
for Agbara and other
areas and therefore
required more supply.
The Eko DisCo Chairman
pointed out that the
continued growth of
industrial and
Cross Section of TCN and EKO DisCo Management Team; (middle) MD/CEO TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz commercial activities
within the company's
franchise area brought

T
he Management of EKO Distribution Company led
by its Chairman, Mr. Oritsedere Otubu, paid a visit on
Wednesday, 16th February 2022, to the TCN
Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. to discuss important
issues of mutual interest, including substations and lines
projects as well as other issues of collaboration that would
positively impact bulk power supply to EKO DisCo. Mr.
Otubu who was accompanied by the Managing Director of
EKO Disco, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, and the technical team,
about a quantum increase in demand for power.
Responding, the Managing Director of TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule
Abdulaziz acknowledged the important role of Lagos as the
commercial hub of Nigeria, noting that TCN has always
given priority to Lagos, in terms of bulk power supply
allocation. He however assured the Management of EKO
DisCo of TCN's commitment to increasing the quantum of
power allocated to Lagos as well as delivering more
transmission projects that will
improve bulk power supply
within the state.

In his remarks, the Executive

Director, Transmission Service
Provider, Engr. Victor Adewumi
noted that there were several
power transmission projects
TCN was executing in Lagos
Region and the projects when
completed would go a long
way in boosting power supply
TCN and EKO DisCo Management Team; after the meeting
in the area.

PAGE 28
 MAN
MAN Seeks Collaboration To Improve
Bulk Power Supply To The Idu Industrial Area
n the pursuit of the objectives for the
I creation of the Idu Industrial cluster, in
Abuja, the Manufacturers Association of
Nigeria (MAN) has advocated improved
collaboration with TCN to increase the
allocation of power from the national grid
to the Idu industrial in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Engr. Ibrahim Usman, who is the Chairman of the Infrastructure
Committee & Power
Development, a
component of MAN,
made this request during
the visit by a team from
MAN Abuja to the
Management of TCN, on
Thursday, 3 r d March
2022, in Abuja.
Responding, Engr. Usman
said such collaboration
was necessary because MD/CEO, Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz and Chairman, MAN Infrastructural
Committee and Power Development, Engr. Ibrahim Usman
the focus of MAN was to
provide an enabling
environment for industrial development and growth and to
compete globally with other manufacturing companies. He
said, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)
has kicked off already and it is expected that Nigerian
manufacturers must compete with factories from South
Africa, Egypt, and Morocco among others.
He asserted that the challenges of inadequate and unreliable
supply of electricity causes operational delays, increase the
overhead cost due to continuous use of generators and
attendant high cost of diesel, equipment instability, with the
frequent failure of manufacturing industries. He said, “We are
talking about power quality and reliability because there is
nothing worse for a manufacturer than to start production and
power goes off.”
Engr. Usman further stressed that the case for adequate
reliable power to the industrial hub has become more
compelling due to the inability of eligible members of MAN to
PAGE 29
March 2022/Issue 33
By Joy Egbase
take advantage of the NERC Eligible Customers Regulations
(ECR), to contract for power directly from the GenCos owing
to pending litigation between MAN and the DisCos which has
made the DisCos to deny its members the “No Objection
Certificate” that is part of the condition precedent under the
ECR. He asserted that manufacturers in the area spend on
average more than 40% of their production cost to provide
their own source of power, making the products non-
competitive within the context of the AFCFTA.
He disclosed that while
MAN was engaging
NERC on how its
members could take
advantage of the ECR to
access power for their
industries, it was equally
exploring avenues with
TCN for quick
intervention for bulk
power supply to the
cluster. Engr. Usman
further pledged MAN's
preparedness to work
with TCN by providing the necessary support that would
facilitate an immediate supply of bulk power to the Idu
Industrial Cluster which is presently being served by only a
33kv line.
In his contribution, the Secretary MAN, Abuja Branch, Mr.
Sunday Okpe pleaded with TCN Management to drop a 132kv
transmission line in Idu Industrial Area, stating that MAN plans
to make the cluster a major hub, adding that, the only thing that
can woo investors, and industries to the area is reliable power
supply.
Responding to the submission of the MAN team, the MD/CEO
TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, validated the importance
of having adequate power supply in the Idu Industrial cluster.
He consequently set up a TCN Committee that would work
with MAN officials to look into the issues. He equally assured
that TCN would do everything in its power to attend to their
request.
 VANDALISM
HOODLUMS VANDALIZE TOWER 50 ON
NEW HAVEN/OTUKPO TRANSMISSION LINE
AGM (Transmission) Engr. Charles Iwuamadi led other TCN Officials of Visit to the site.
The New Haven/Otukpo 132kV Tower 50 transmission
line which evacuates power from Enugu to Benue State
was recently vandalized. The site of the incident was
discovered while conducting a line trace to ascertain the
cause of a breach in communication sky wire by some of
the linesmen of TCN, Enugu Region, on Friday 4th February
2022.
The incident which was discovered in Onyoho village, a
boundary between Onyoho and Ohumu in Enugu-East
Local Government Area of Enugu State, revealed that the
vandals chopped off the tower legs with the upper part of
the tower left dangling, and held together only by the
conductors.
Attempts by the TCN patrol team and some Management
staff to immediately access the location to attempt repair
works proved abortive as the team had received
information about a recent kidnap of two indigenes of the
community around the location of the vandalized tower
before the arrival of the patrol team.
TCN Officials and some Residents of the area at the Site of the incident.
PAGE 30
March 2022/Issue 33
Mary Philip Udom
Consequently, arrangements were made and with a
complement of armed security operatives, the lines men
and TCN team led by AGM (Transmission), Engr Charles
Chidi Iwuamadi visited the site of the vandalized tower.
According to Engr. Amadi, what was left of the tower had
to be brought down for a complete tower reconstruction.
However, nemesis caught up with one of the vandals
whose body was found burnt beyond recognition close to
the vandalized transmission tower. Meanwhile, the
community has been left without electricity. It would be
recalled that the particular tower had been vandalized about
2 years ago, which also resulted in outage in the same area.
Engr. Charles Chidi Iwuamadi who led the team to the site
described the incident as a big lesson would-be vandals.
According to him, safeguarding TCN properties nationwide
should be a collective responsibility that will help ensure
that bulk power generated is transmitted to distribution
load centers nationwide for onward delivery to consumers.
VANDALISM March 2022/Issue 33

TCN Reconstructs Vandalized Transmission

Tower In Uyo, Transmission Line To
Be Energized Soon – TCN
By Ogechukwu Uzor

Middle: Engr. Victor Adewunmi, Executive Director TSP-TCN On-going Works

R econstruction works on the vandalized transmission reconnect the line to the national grid.
Tower Number 104 on Odukpani - Ikot Ekpene 330kV He noted that the collapsed tower was not the only one
double-circuit transmission line in Akwa Ibom State vandalized and that restringing the transmission line involves
has been completed, while work is ongoing to fortify other bringing down the 330kV DC line on some suspension towers,
towers minimally vandalized along the same line route, to that were minimally vandalized, up to the nearest tension
enable the restringing and tensioning of the 330kV DC towers on both sides of the collapsed tower and fortifying the
transmission line, before it is energized. suspension towers before restringing the lines to ensure
quality work is done,” he noted.
The Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP)
at TCN, Engr. Victor Adewumi made this known during an He noted that work has reached 70% completion and that TCN
inspection visit to the site of the incident at Oku Iboku is working hard to ensure that the 330kV DC transmission line
Community in Uyo on the 10th of May, is completed and reconnected to
2022. The visit which was at the the national grid in one week, to
instance of the Minister of Power, Engr. ensure the evacuation of over
Abubakar D. Aliyu was principally to 400MW stranded power at the
assess the level of repair works on the Odukpani Power Plant near Calabar
tower and fast track any process that as well as the restoration of power
would ensure a more timely supply to Cross River State.
reconnection of the DC line to the grid.
Engr. Adewumi appealed to the
Adewumi, who briefed newsmen at the public to help TCN in the fight
site, said the tower has been against the vandalism of power
reconstructed and work has reached an infrastructure, saying that such acts
advanced stage after three weeks, even are detrimental to Nigerians and
with difficulties posed by the terrain. the expansion of power
In his words, “The tower has been fully infrastructure in Nigeria. He also
reconstructed, restringing has to be assured residents of Cross River
done with the utmost care after other State and parts of Akwa Ibom
towers that were also tampered with State that the company was fast-
have been fortified, to avoid the tracking the completion and
collapse of more towers. We are restoration process.
however doing everything possible to Reconstructed Tower Stringing of line Ongoing

PAGE 31
 POWER March 2022/Issue 33

AIR FORCE COMMANDANT COMMENDS

TCN FOR IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY

By Maimuna Isah-Laden

T
he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been In his welcome remarks, the Regional Transmission Manager
commended for the improved quality of power supply (RTM), Engr. Aminu Haruna, appreciated the good gesture and
in Kaduna State. gave the assurance that TCN would continue to put in every
effort to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the NAF and
Kaduna State as a whole.
The Commander 453 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force
Base (NAF), Kaduna, Air Commodore A.A Adedoyun, gave the
commendation on Monday 24th January 2022 during a
courtesy visit to TCN's Kaduna Regional Office.

He said power supply had improved tremendously as the

Nigerian Air Force Base was enjoying 24 hours power supply.

He also appreciated the cordial relationship the NAF and TCN

have maintained over the years.

He assured TCN of NAF's readiness to support and assist TCN

in any way possible whenever there was such need.

L-R Air Commodor Adedogun and RTM Kaduna, Engr. Aminu Haruna

PAGE 32
 LABOUR March 2022/Issue 33

SSAEAC Commends TCN Managements’

Maturity In Handling Labour Matters
By Stanford Nneji.

T he Executive management
team of the Senior Staff
Association of Electricity and
Allied Companies (SSAEC) has
commended the Management of
Transmission Company of Nigeria
(TCN) for exercising maturity and
wisdom in handling labour matters in
the last one and half years of the
present administration.

The president general of SSAEAC,

Comrade Engr. Chris Okonkwo gave
the commendations during the first
National Joint Advisory Meeting
with TCN Management recently in
Abuja.
Cross section of TCN Management and SSAEC Officials
According to him, the steady
progress in provision of materials for maintenance of In the area of service delivery and operations, Engr.
transformers and other accessories in the company's Abdulaziz said that TCN had improved tremendously in
stores are quite commendable, he also used the performance through the flagship programme, of the
opportunity to assure TCN Management that SSAEAC will Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance Expansion and
remain partners in progress with comments, engagements, Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERD) aimed at expanding
advices and suggestions to make sure that information and the grid network with project implementation.
ideas are advisable for consideration for betterment of staff
welfare. He further stated that TCN had recently taken delivery of 5
No. 150MVA and 10 No 60MVA
Earlier in his opening remarks, the transformers at Ojo Store in
Managing Director and Chief Executive Lagos through the World Bank
Officer of TCN, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed “Our approach on NETAP project. He also
Abdulaziz, who welcomed SSAEAC's issues relating to acknowledged that TCN has
Executive members commended them been able to create synergy and
welfare of staff is top maintained cordial relationship
for the healthy industrial relationship
that has existed between Union and TCN notch and we will with other stakeholders in the
in 2021. He noted that major issues that continue to do the electricity value chain, especially
came up in the course of the year were needful at all material Distribution Companies leading
resolved amicably in consultative to the signing of Service Level
meetings.
times as our payback Agreement (SLA).
for the support and
‘‘Our approach on issues relating to cooperation we have The MD, assured the Union of his
welfare of staff is top notch and we will administration’s open door
received from all staff
continue to do the needful at all material policy and cross fertilization of
times as our payback for the support
he said”. ideas for collective improvement
and cooperation we have received from of transmission services to
all staff, ” he said. Nigerians.

PAGE 33
 LABOUR
TCN Management Commends NUEE For
A Peaceful Industrial Climate
T
he Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of
TCN, Engr Dr Sule Abdulaziz has commended TCN's
in-house union for its efforts at maintaining
industrial peace and harmony in 2021, through regular
consultation and cooperation with Management.
Engr. Dr. Abdulaziz made the commendation while
receiving the National Executive of the National Union of
Electricity Employees (NUEE), TCN Branch, during the first
National Joint Advisory Committee meeting for the year
2022 between TCN Management and NUEE. He expressed
the hope that such consultation would continue, noting that
Management will continue to interface and synergize with
the Union as a peaceful industrial climate is imperative for
efficiency and productivity.
The MD/CEO also congratulated the Union on the
successful conduct of the local chapter elections as well as
the emergence of new officers nationwide. He emphasised
Management's commitment to working with the new
leadership, saying that TCN was open to productive ideas
that were capable of promoting the corporate image of
TCN.
He assured the Union of Management's commitment to
staff welfare and well-being, as has been reflected in
various staff welfare packages that were introduced the
previous year to motivate staff for higher productivity. He
further stated that Management was equally addressing the
complaints regarding the 2021 Promotion Exercise.
In the area of service delivery, the CEO stated, “TCN has
improved tremendously in performance through its
flagship programme of Nigeria Electricity Grid Maintenance
Expansion and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP)
which aims at expanding the grid network through the
diligent implementation of planned network expansion
projects, (Federal Government and Donor-funded
projects), rehabilitating existing transmission lines and
substations to further increase capacity, while also
prioritizing the maintenance and provision of spares in the
stores to ensure that the grid is very stable while the
expansion programmes are on-going.”
PAGE 34
March 2022/Issue 33
By Jumoke Dare
He continued,“TCN recently took delivery of 5 No. 150MVA
and 10 No. 60MVA transformers from the Lagos port
under the World Bank NETAP project.” According to Engr
(Dr) Abdulaziz, this is a record milestone in the history of
TCN. He called for continued cross-fertilisation of ideas for
collective improvement in the delivery of bulk electricity to
Nigerians.
The MD lauded TCN Management for the tremendous
progress in the area of synergy and harmonious
relationships with other stakeholders in the electricity
sector, especially the Distribution Companies (DisCos) with
whom TCN previously had interface challenges.
The commencement of the Service Level Agreement
(SLA) regime which aims at prioritising and executing
interface projects between TCN and the DisCos to ensure
that power was delivered to the DisCos where needed for
consumers, he disclosed were ongoing with the DisCos.
He also stated that TCN was working closely with FGN
Power Ltd in support of the Presidential Power Initiative
through SIEMENS AG of Germany by making available
every support required to ensure the successful delivery of
the transmission components of the programme. He
expressed satisfaction that the results of the strategy were
already impacting positively on the system as was evident
in the consecutive peak energy/power delivery to
Nigerians recorded last year.
Responding, the Secretary General of NUEE, Comrade Joe
Ajaero appreciated the Management’s cooperation thus far,
pointing out that the Union's show of maturity meant that
they want TCN to continue to work with the Union,
cautioning however that such disposition did not mean that
issues affecting our members would be ignored. He sought
the Management’s support in promptly addressing staff
issues.
As partners-in-progress, the MD/CEO clearly assured the
Union that he would continue to maintain an open-door
policy.
 GENERATION
Power Generation And Load-shedding
I n the Month of February 2022, the nation
experienced consistent load-shedding
resulting from very low power generation
transmitted through the national grid.
The media was awash with reports that TCN
had reduced load allocation to distribution
companies, but clearly, TCN can only transmit
the quantum of power generated by GenCos
through the national grid to distribution load
centers nationwide.
TCN does not generate electricity and
therefore can only transport cumulative
generation from all the generation companies
nationwide to distribution load centers. The
distribution companies are responsible for end-user
consumption. TCN allocates power to distribution companies
based on the total generation available per hour or on the day-
ahead nomination, according to the formula approved by
NERC.
Presently, the cumulative generation nationwide is low and
generation companies have attributed this to several factors
including poor gas supply, fault in generating units of
generating companies, as well as scheduled and unscheduled
maintenance, all of which have caused most power generating
companies to limit their generation, and sometimes not
generate at all.
A summary of the power generating profiles in the last two
months, for instance, clearly shows that fourteen (14) gas-
powered generating stations were either not generating at all
or had limited generation at various times within the period,
further depleting the quantum of power generation available
for transmission into the grid on a daily basis. Power
generating stations in this category include; Omotosho units 5
& 6, Olorunsogo units 3, 4 & 6, Omoku units 3 & 6, Omotosho
NIPP units 3 & 4, Delta units 15, 17, and 18, Afam VI units 11 &
12, Olorunsogo NIPP unit 3, Ihovbor NIPP unit 2, Sapele Steam
unit 3, Sapele NIPP unit 1, Odukpani NIPP units 1 & 3, and Okpai
units 11, 12 & 18.
Similarly, within the same period, Jebba Hydro and Shiroro
Power Generating Stations were either out or had limited
generation, causing additional loss of 232MW from the grid,
while other power generating plants such as Omotosho units
3&4, Olorunsogo units 1, Delta units 10 &20, Afam VI unit 13,
Ihovbor NIPP units 4, Geregu NIPP units 22&23 and Odukpani
NIPP units 2, 4 & 5, have also been out either on fault or for
scheduled maintenance, causing a further loss of about
3,180MW from the grid.
PAGE 35
March 2022/Issue 33
By Ndidi Mbah
Substation
A combination of the above scenarios has persisted and the
total effect on the grid is the persistent low generation, which
TCN Operators have had to strive to dispatch in a way that will
not jeopardize the stability of the grid.
More recently, from the 1st to 4th of March, 2022, there was
generation shortfall due to water management in Shiroro and
Jebba hydro plant with the loss of 307MW and 125MW
respectively from both stations. Within the same period, there
were fault and technical problems in Egbin, causing 514MW
shortfall and in Geregu causing a 230MW shortfall, while
reported fault at Alaoji NIPP reduced generation from the
substation by 263MW.
Gas constraint alone in Olorunsogo gas generating plant
reduced generation from the station by 104MW, in the same
vein, Omotosho gas lost 102MW and Sapele NIPP lost
263MW. In Omotosho NIPP, there was generation shortfall of
233MW and in Omoku a shortfall of 112MW. Two units in Okpai
have limited generation due to technical problems causing a
204MW drop in generation and in Afam VI 511MW drop in
generation.
Gas constraint and fault in Olorunsogo NIPP reduced
generation by 240MW, Geregu NIPP by 435MW, and Ihovbor
by 142MW. Also, due to gas pipeline pigging, Odukpani NIPP
was shut down which caused a reduction of generation by
575MW.
As TCN continues to work hard to ensure the efficient
allocation of the total load generation it strives to ensure that
the national grid is stable despite the challenges posed by the
insufficient load on the transmission grid.
 SENSITIZATION March 2022/Issue 33

ENUGU REGION SENSITIZES RESIDENTS ON

TRANSMISSION RIGHT OF WAY ENCROACHMENT

By Mary Philip Udom

(Middle) AGM (T) Enugu Sub-region Engr. Charles Chidi Iwuamadi addressing residents

T
he Management of the Enugu Region of TCN has
embarked on a sensitization campaign for residents
of Enugu State on the inherent dangers associated
with building illegal structures and carrying on business
under transmission lines and towers within the State.
Speaking during the sensitization programme at Marshal
Point Road Avenue and New Artisan Market, the Assistant
General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Sub Region, Engr.
Charles Chidi Iwuamadi, enjoined residents to desist from
building, living, or trading under transmission lines or base of
transmission towers as these constitute an infringement of
TCN Right of Way (RoW), which has very dangerous health
and safety consequences.
purchasing, to avoid demolition and waste of funds.
The AGM and his team also took the campaign to the site of
the New Haven-Onitsha 330kV line, near New Artisan
Market, where he addressed the community on health
hazards that could emanate from spending long hours
under the transmission lines and towers due to the harmful
electromagnetic emissions from the high voltage
transmission lines.
Also speaking at the event, the Manager Lines, Engr. Obuma
informed the public of the standard corridor for
transmission lines and advised them to ensure that they
comply for their safety and for the preservation of the lines.

Engr. Iwuamadi noted that during the recent inspection of

transmission towers located at Marshal Point Road Avenue,
New Haven, and 9th Mile 132kV Transmission Line, it was
discovered that some unauthorized persons had erected a
perimeter fence around buildings for which compensation
had been paid. Accordingly, he advised them in their own
interest to pull down the structures.

He advised that due diligence should be followed in

Illegal Structure under RoW
enquiring and conducting searches on land before

PAGE 36
 VANDALISM
BENIN REGION SEEK PARTNERSHIP
WITH DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND
AGAINST EQUIPMENT
VANDALISM
Vandalized Tower
T
he Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force
has pledged its readiness to partner with the Benin
Region of TCN in tackling incessant vandalism of its
infrastructure, violation of Right of Way, construction of
illegal structures under transmission lines, and excavation of
sand near its tower bases in the State.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ari Muhammed Ali
gave this indication in his office while playing host to a team
from TCN Benin Region led by the Regional Transmission
Manager (RTM), Benin Region of TCN, Engr. Isaac Okpe on
Tuesday, January 2022, in Asaba.
According to him, the State Police Command was already
working on modalities to checkmate transmission line Right
PAGE 37
March 2022/Issue 33
By Rufus Imafidon
of Way (RoW) encroachment, vandalism of TCN equipment,
and sand excavation, especially on the Sapele and Ugheli
axis of the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the RTM, Benin Region, Engr. Isaac
Okpe decried the alarming rate of vandalism, the building of
illegal structures as well as carrying out of all forms of
businesses under the Right of Way of TCN infrastructure.
Engr. Okpe noted that in 2021 alone, unidentified persons
engaged in vandalizing TCN lines and towers did so almost
on a daily basis without being caught adding that, activities
of the miscreants compromised tower members, leading to
their eventual collapse. He also lamented the continuous use
of transmission corridors for business which is not just
against the extant law but poses a great threat to the
foundation of the towers, lives and properties.
He further explained that tower collapse negatively affects
grid expansion efforts and that most times the collapse of
one tower, pulls on the lines, dragging down others along
that route and might even result in system collapse, which
may affect parts or the entire country. Similarly, the repair
damaged towers costs millions of naira , hence causing the
diversion of fund planned for grid expansion to the re-
erection of vandalized and collapsed towers.
He said that TCN Benin Region would appreciate a close
collaboration with security operatives, particularly the
Nigerian Police Force, to check the activities of the vandals
who were bent on destroying our collective national asset.
In attendance were the AGM (T/S) Benin region, Engr.
Mohammed Abdulazeez, AGM (T) Benin Sub region, Engr.
Isah Jimoh, AGM (T) Delta Sub region, Engr. A .Ademole, PM
(T) Sapele Work Center, Engr .W. Asonmwonriri, PM
(System Lines) Benin Region, Engr. K.Akano, PM (HSE)
Benin Region, Mr. George Otaru.
SLA
The Service Level Agreement (SLA)
And the Grid Code Nexus
By Mr. Ayinde Aremu Rafiu, Regulation, Compliance & Market Development Dept
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT AND GRID CODE
Within the context of transmission services, "Service Level
Agreement" (SLA), means the agreement between TCN and
the Distribution Companies (DisCos) which sets out the terms
and conditions for the purpose of service improvement to
end-users of electricity.
THE GRID CODE
"Grid Code" is the regulatory instrument put in place by the
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that
specifies the instructions, rules, procedures, guidelines, etc., for
the operation and planning of an interconnected power
system and accounting requirements relating thereto as
prepared by the System Operator. This can be amended from
time to time in accordance with the Market Rules with the
approval of the Commission.
PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT
The purpose of this Agreement is to outline the performance
commitments of each party with respect to the transmission
network and system operation services provided by TCN in
furtherance of NERC's Order NERC/198/2020 dated 31st
March 2020 and DisCos' Performance Improvement Plans.
A firm improvement in supply by DisCos would require
investments in reinforcing feeders, transformers, and
protection equipment. TCN shall directly align its investments
with DisCos towards resolving transmission/distribution
interface bottlenecks and reducing the high incidence of
tripping at 132/33kV substations.
SLA IN LINE WITH GRID CODE
Three clauses of the Grid Code highlighted for improved
service delivery of the SLA are:
1) CLAUSE 3: JOINT OBLIGATIONS
2) CLAUSE 4: OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF TCN
3) CLAUSE 5: OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE
DisCO
CLAUSE 3: JOINT OBLIGATIONS
3.1 The operational performance of TCN shall be anchored on
firm agreements with the DisCo with key performance
indicators and financial remedies for non-performance by
either party.
PAGE 38
March 2022/Issue 33
3.2 The DisCo and TCN shall abide by the relevant Sections of
the Grid Code on operational planning.
3.3 The DisCO and TCN shall use the liquidated damage as
calculated in Schedule 1 to the agreement to address non-
performance by both sides.
3.4 TCN and the DisCo shall jointly establish VHF
communication between TCN control rooms, System
operators, and the DisCo Central load dispatch and injection
substation DSOs. This will help TCN and the Disco to carry out
safe operations while carrying out maintenance or attending
to breakdowns for the safety of the workforce as well as
equipment.
3.5 TCN will communicate to the DisCo about new
technologies adopted, similarly DisCo will also share details so
that both are educated and are in a Agreement. This includes
the replacement of Protection Replays which are the most
critical equipment for a healthy electrical network.
3.6 TCN and the DisCos shall nominate a business relationship
manager to provide a monthly service delivery report,
availability report, and register of all forced outages and
scheduled outages across all nominated delivery points and
shall make entries of comment from both parties' service
delivery into same and such operational logs, which shall be
duly endorsed for record purposes.
3.7 All TCN incomer and check meter accuracy shall be
checked jointly by TCN and the DisCo at the request of either
party within 30-days subject to Metering Code and Metering
Procedure.
3.8 TCN and the DisCo shall agree on relay coordination
setting jointly and the same shall be implemented within 60
days of the signing of the Agreement.
3.9 TCN and the DisCo shall jointly monitor the relay setting
(including the under frequency relay settings) on monthly
basis. TCN and the DisCo shall be able to download the relay
data (setting and last three months historical fault level data)
of the other party on monthly basis between the 1st and 5th of
SLA
every month. Failure by either party to provide access for
relay data download shall be considered as an attempt to
tamper with the agreed range of setting and any outage due
to relay setting coordination issue for such period shall be
considered as Liquidated Damage caused by either party as in
Schedule-1.
CLAUSE 4: OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF TCN
OBLIGATIONS TO DELIVER MYTO CAPACITY TO DISCOS IN
THE MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE GRID CODE
4.1 That TCN shall supply energy to the DisCo through
feeders radiating from substations shown in Column A and
Column B of Table 1 of Annex A respectively.
4.2 That the data submitted by the DisCo in Table 2 and Table
3 of Annex A shall be used by TCN to prepare its facilities to
deliver energy to the Disco for the period of this agreement
as stated in Clause 19
4.3 That TCN shall give the DisCo load at the feeders at each
24- hour period in line with the submitted load forecast as
required by Section 19.4.4 of the Grid Code.
4.4 If the DisCo does not submit a bi-weekly load forecast as
stated in Section 19.4.4 of the Grid Code, then TCN shall use
the preceding (accepted) load forecast submitted by the
DisCo to allocate the load to the DisCo.
4.5 TCN shall within fifteen (15) minutes inform DisCo about
tripping of 33kV feeder along with time, load, and relay
flagged (Type of Fault) along with fault current intensity.
4.6 Any planned shutdown shall be notified to the DisCo at
least one week in advance. Any change/rescheduling of
planned shutdown shall be communicated at least 24 hours in
advance subject to system security or emergency
considerations as defined in the Grid Code. In the event of
failure by TCN to intimate Disco 24 hours in advance of its
cancelation/change of planned outage, and the failure is not
due to system security or emergency considerations, such
outage even if not availed shall be considered as an outage
occasioned by TCN while calculating Liquidated Damage as in
Schedule 1.
4.7 In the event of system security or emergency event, TCN
shall comply with the system reporting compliance
procedure stipulated in the Grid Code. Failure by TCN to
provide preliminary reports within the stipulated time for all
PAGE 39
March 2022/Issue 33
system security or emergency events shall be considered as
outages due to TCN while calculating Liquidated Damage as in
Schedule-1. Where TCN Final Report indicts a market
participant, such participant shall be liable to TCN.
4.8 TCN shall authorize entry of DisCo authorized staff on a
twenty-four hours/ seven days basis to attend to
breakdowns. A list of DisCo authorized staff along with their
official contact numbers will be submitted to TCN and would
be promptly updated whenever there is a change. This is to
maintain discipline as well as harmony among the parties.
Similarly, TCN shall provide the control room desk telephone
number.
OBLIGATIONS TO OFFER RELIABLE SERVICE AND NON-
PERFORMANCE PENALTIES
4.9 That TCN shall keep the voltage level of the feeders in line
with limits specified in Section 10 of the Grid Code.
4.10 That TCN is committed to duration outage of each
feeder on a daily average not exceeding the numbers shown
in Column E of Table 1 of Annex A, known as the 33kV feeder
interruption duration hours allowable to TCN for feeder I (FI)
In a day.
4.11 Outage and interruptions due to TCN include all the
events except for outage and interruption events caused due
to DisCo.
4.12 That if TCN causes an outage on a feeder through its
action, it will restore such feeder in the Average Duration of
interruptions per Day.
4.13 TCN shall grant access to DisCo to read its check meters
on all 33kV feeders serving it in line with the Metering Code
and Metering Procedure.
4.14 TCN shall grant access to DisCo to install AMR on all its
33kV feeders.
4.15 TCN shall configure/upgrade its infrastructure to
remedy the identified interface constraints and challenges in
line with agreed timelines provided in Annexure-2 of the
Agreement.
RIGHTS OF TCN
4.16 TCN may at its discretion refuse restoration of feeders
for a maximum of 2 hours for each of the following fault
events which are considered dangerous to the life of
SLA
equipment and personnel. This is to ensure that DisCos do a
thorough patrol for fault identification before clearing the
fault:
1.1 After Close up faults and a very high magnitude fault
current.
1.2 After trial reclosure has failed two times.
Further trial restoration shall be subject to DisCo investigating,
clearing the fault, and notifying TCN. Any further restoration
failure after the third trial shall be counted as an interruption
event for the determination of liquidated damages.
CLAUSE 5: OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE DISCO
OBLIGATION TO TAKE MYTO CAPACITY FROM THE GRID
IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE GRID CODE
5.1 The DisCo shall receive energy from TCN through feeders
radiating from Substations.
5.2 The DisCo shall submit the data to meet the
requirement of the Grid code on operational planning.
5.3 The DisCo shall submit a load forecast in line with
Section 19.4.4 of the Grid Code.
5.4 The DisCo shall ensure that the load forecast for each
feeder at each hour shall not exceed TCN transformer
capacity subject to its ability to maintain the tariff bands
specified by NERC.
5.5 That if the DisCo does not submit a bi-weekly load
LIFE IS THE MOST DIFFICULT EXAM.
Many people fail because they try to copy others,
not realizing that everyone has a
different question paper.
PAGE 40
March 2022/Issue 33
forecast as stated in section 19.4.4 of the Grid Code, then it
shall comply with what TCN allocates to it using its preceding
acceptance submission.
OBLIGATIONS TO TAKE ENERGY FROM THE TCN GRID IN A
RELIABLE MANNER AND LIQUIDATE DAMAGES FOR
NON-PERFORMANCE.
5.6 That the DisCo shall commit to duration outage of each
feeder on a daily average known as the 33kV feeder
interruption duration hours allowable to DisCo for feeder (Fi
)in a day.
5.7 The DisCo shall be allowed to install AMR-enable check
meters on all 33kV feeders.
5.8 TCN shall allow the DisCo Liaison Officer access to its
substation control room for communication outrage
requests, faulty clearance, and meter reading of 33kV feeders.
The interruption duration for DisCo shall be computed from
the time of interruption to the time of DisCo Liaison Officers'
submission of the Protection Guarantee Certificate at the TCN
desk. Any delay in restoration beyond 15 Minutes after DisCo
submission of the ''Protection Guarantee Certificate'' shall be
considered as outrage duration due to TCN while calculation
of liquidated damages shall be as in Schedule-1.
5.9 The DisCo shall configure/upgrade its infrastructure to
remedy the identified interface constraints and challenges in
line with agreed timelines provided in Annexure-2 of the
Agreement.
 GRID CONNECTION
The 2019 Annual Report of the Manufacturers Association
of Nigeria (MAN) indicates that manufacturers in Nigeria
spent over N67.38 billion on self-generated electricity
with energy accounting for a whopping 38 percent of their
production cost. The report further indicated that power
supply has been undermining the activities of
manufacturing companies in Nigeria for many years.
It is in its determination to address the power situation as it
affects the manufacturing sector within the state, especially
the Tomato Jos factory, that the Kaduna State Investment
Promotion Agency (KADIPA) initiated a meeting to bring
power companies within Kaduna State Government, to
deliberate and strategize on electrical power solutions for
Tomato Jos.
The meeting was led by the Director of Investor Relations,
KADIPA, Mr. Faisal A. Idris, who spoke specifically on the
power needs of the Jos manufacturing company. He
posited that power supply was indispensable for economic
growth, especially in the modern economy, stating that it
was for this reason that the Kaduna State Government was
committed itself to ensuring that manufacturers got
adequate power supply in order to boost the economic
activities of the State and also attract more investors. He
pledge that the Government will not relent in its efforts to
find a solution to the power challenge in the State.
In his response, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of
Tomato Jos, Mr. Art Cardoso, appreciated the efforts of the
Kaduna State Government towards ensuring that Tomato
Jos was connected to the national grid. He said Tomato Jos
which is a tomato processing company located in Kangimi
Area, 14km from Mararaban Jos in Kaduna State is in
PAGE 41
March 2022/Issue 33
TOMATO JOS
SEEKS TCN
SUPPORT TO
GET
CONNECTED
TO THE
NATIONAL GRID
By Maimuna Isah -Ladan
desperate need of an alternate source of power supply to
their 707kva diesel electricity generator.
He explained that the Company's electrical load consisted
of irrigation pumps, boilers, and conveyor belts including
warehouses and staff quarters. According to Mr. Cardoso,
the total power demand at the facility was estimated at
approximately 1MW.
The Principal Manager Transmission, Engr. Ahmed Usman
acknowledged the company's efforts towards getting
supply directly from the grid but explained that the
company needed 2MW power demand to meet NERC's
eligibility criteria under the Eligible Customers Regulations
to qualify them for direct offtake from the national grid. The
seasonal requirement of 1MW he said, was inadequate but
that their request for 1MW power supply can be met
through the new substation being built at Mararaban Jos by
the Kaduna State Government.
In addition, Engr. Usman further assured that the company
can also receive supply from the 132/33kV Zaria/Turunku
transmission line coming from Mando even though the
33kV line was currently utilized by the Kaduna Electricity
Distribution to distribute power to Turunku, Jaji, and
Farakwai villages.
He added that the new Mararaban substation presently
under construction by the Kaduna State Government has
reached 90% completion and that TCN was also executing
more substations in the Kaduna Millennium City, Rigasa, Jaji,
and Jaja areas of Zaria, all of which would improve power
supply within the state. On completion and commissioning
of the Mararaban Jos substation, he noted, the Tomato Jos
company could easily be connected to the TCN network
provided it meets the criteria.
ACTIVITIES March 2022/Issue 33

Photo Speak

Executive members of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria and UK District Society during their Courtesy Visit to TCN.

Training of TCN drivers at the National Control Center (NCC), Osogbo by FRSC Osogbo Command

NCC Security personnels training by Civil Defence Osogbo command at NCC Osogbo Auditorium

PAGE 42
FOCUS
Osogbo Region
COVERAGE AREA
The Osogbo Region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria
covers mainly the South Western States of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti,
Ondo, Ogun, and some parts of Kwara and Niger States in the
North Central. Osogbo Region comprises three Sub-Regions
and one Work Centre namely; Osogbo, Ayede, Ganmo Sub-
Region, and Akure Work Centre. The Region like other regional
offices has the two main arms of TCN namely; Transmission
Service Provider (TSP) and Independent System Operator
(ISO). The TSP is headed by the Regional Transmission
Manager (RTM), Engr. Bakare Kazeem, while ISO is headed by
the Reginal Operation Manager (ROM), Engr. Olaniyi Gbadebo.
Osogbo Region has a total staff strength of one hundred and
fifty-one (151).
The Region comprises four (4No) 330/132kV and eighteen
PAGE 43
March 2022/Issue 33
By Kayode Omideji
(18No)132/33kV transmission Sub-Stations. The Sub-
Stations have a total wheeling capacity of 2,556MVA made up
of 1,140MVA on 330/132kV level and 1,416MVA on
132/33kV level. The Region interfaces with two(2)
Distribution Companies namely, Benin Electricity Distribution
Company (BEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company
(IBEDC).
PROJECTS
Osogbo Region boasts of several completed projects while
many others are ongoing. Newly completed projects include;
60MVA with 33kV feeders at Sagamu 132/33kV
Transmission Substation, Installation of three number line bays
at Iwo 132/33kV transmission substations, replacement of
faulty Circuit Breakers (CB) and other switchgear equipment
in substations across the Region.
FOCUS March 2022/Issue 33

AYEDE Installation of 2x60MVA

Completed non-technical projects include graveling and re- SUB - REGION 132/33kV Transformers at
graveling of transmission substations across the Region and Shagamu, Lanlate and Igangan

fencing of eight transmission substations in Offa, Ilesha, Transmission Substations.

Construction of 132kV switching
Mcpherson, and Iseyin substations, amongst others in the
station at Igbo-Ora Transmission
Region.
Substation.
Other ongoing projects within the region are those being
executed by the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) arm of TCN. Construction of Igbo-
They include the following: Ora/Lanlate 132kV lines (D/C)
and Igbo-Ora /Igangan 132kV
LOCATION PROJECT
lines (D/C).

Construction of a new 40MVA

OSOGBO Installation of 300MVA
SUB-REGION 132/33kV sub-station at Oyo.
330/132/33kV transformer with Installation of new circuit
associated high voltage breakers and three number (3No.)
switchgear and extension of the line Bay at Iwo 132/33kV
330kV bus-bar to accommodate Transmission Substation.
additional two 330kV circuits at
Osogbo 330kV Transmission
Reinforcement of Iseyin
Substation.
Transmission Station with
30MVA 132/33kV power
Installation of 60MVA, 132/33kV transformer and associated
transformer with associated high
switchgear.
voltag switchgear and equipment
at Osogbo 132/33kV
Transmission Substation. GANMO Construction of two number
SUB - REGION 60MVA 132/33kV sub-station
at Shonga, Egbe, and Ogbomoso
Construction of Osogbo-Akure-
with associated high voltage
Benin North 330kV DC
switchgear.
Transmission Line.
Construction/stringing of
C o n s t r u c t i o n o f Ganmo/Ogbomoso 132kV lines
2x60MVA132/33kV transformer (D/C) Construction/stringing of
substation at Ede. Ganmo/Shonga 132kV lines
(D/C) Construction/stringing of

Installation of 60MVA 132/33kV Omuaran/Egbe 132kV lines

transformer with associated high (D/C)AKURE WORK STATION A

voltage switchgear and dual circuit in Akure, feeding

equipment at Ile-Ife Transmission Osogbo and Benin North.

Substation.

PAGE 44
FOCUS March 2022/Issue 33

VANDALISM
The Osogbo Region is not spared the pervasive challenge of Some of the ongoing projects being executed by in-house
vandalism that affects TCN operations nationwide. There are engineers include 30MVA, 132/33kV Transmission
numerous cases of vandalism of transmission lines and substation at Oyo, and installation of 60MVA, 132/33kV
towers throughout the region despite several measures to transformer in Osogbo Sub-Region.
discourage the perpetrators. The most recent occurred at the
new Osogbo-Akure-Ihovbor Double Circuit 330kV
transmission tower at Igbara-Oke along Ori-oke Gilgal in
Ondo State, which was constructed to carry supply from
Osogbo to Akure Transmission Substation. Management has,
through the regional office, engaged community leaders and
other stakeholders on the negative impact of illegal mining
near TCN facilities as well as vandalism of power
infrastructures; this has, however, had very little impact.

RIGHT OF WAY CHALLENGE

Encroachment on transmission lines route within the Region
is also rampant. This includes building and transacting business Engr. Kazeem Bakare (RTM Osogbo)

under the high tension lines route as well as laterite

excavation. In the case of the Osogbo-Ganmo 330kV
Transmission line, laterite excavation has caused pervading
erosion that is threatening transmission towers, which is
urgently being addressed by the Region’s Management.

IN-HOUSE PROJECTS
TCN engineers in Osogbo Region have successfully installed
and repaired several transformers, replaced circuit breakers,
as well as undertaken line tracing and maintenance.
Engr. Olaniyi Gbadebo (ROM Osogbo)

Two things steal our

happiness;
living in the past and
observing others in envy.

PAGE 45
PHOTO SPEAK March 2022/Issue 33

In-house Engineers At Work

TCN engineers replacing faulty Circuit Breakers during a routine maintenance exercise at the 4x150MVA, 2x60MVA, 1x30/40 MVA, Kumbotso
Transmission Sub-Station, Kano State

Ongoing works at the 2x60MVA 132/33kV transmission substation in Biliri, Gombe State.

TCN engineers in Ajah Sub-region carrying out annual preventive maintenance which entails replacing broken glass disc insulators with
composite insulators on Akangba - Amuwo - Ojo 132kV line

PAGE 46
 NELMCO March 2022/Issue 33

NELMCO MD URGES POWER SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS TO

CREATE ACCESS TO ASSETS FOR OPTIMUM VALUE
By Eric Ephraim Ene

F ollowing the decay of some information about what is

assets of the defunct National happening. communication-wise,
Electric Power Authority we need to work more on our
(NEPA) and Power Holding connected stakeholders”, he
Company of Nigeria (PHCN), after noted.
the Federal Government privatized
the power sector in 2013, a call has Speaking further on assets
been made for industry players to management, Mr. Fagbemi
create access to assets with disclosed that a lot of assets of
connected stakeholders in order to NEPA/PHCN which needed to be
optimize their value. optimized for revenue generation
for the sector have become
The Managing Director of Nigeria scraps and obsolete and nothing
Electricity Liability Company is being done about it.
(NELCOM) Mr. Bayo Fagbemi gave
the charge when he interacted with According to him, “we are looking
members of the Power Sector at how we can unlock some of
Communication Team (PSCT) during the assets that we have common
Mr. Adebayo Nathaniel Fagbemi, Managing
their quarterly meeting hosted by Director, Nigeria Electricity Liability Management interests with some agencies for
NELMCO, on Tuesday, 19th January Company (NELMCO) the government to have some
2022, in Abuja. optimized value. He noted that
some assets of PHCN amounting to 27 million naira were
Mr. Fagbemi, who commended communication experts for transferred to NELMCO books by the government in 2013,
coming together to articulate issues of concern as it impacts and NELMCO was able to optimize the assets by creating
the sector, noted that communication was key in recognizing access through the Association of Auctioneers and made 2
the importance of government policy, citing the management billion from them into government coffers.
of defunct PHCN assets as a case study.
“Inability to communicate is a problem. I'm quite impressed He further disclosed that irrespective of ownership of these
when I see communication experts assets, NELMCO was rooting for what
always coming together to find ways of will be of value to the Government and
working together. If the principals can
actually key into this team, it will impact
the sector”, he said.
I'm ’’
quite
impressed when I
the power sector noting that either
NELMCO or NEMSA can provide the
lead for unlocking the optimization in
decaying assets such as clinics,
According to him, the communication
see communication workshops, etc., to augment
team needs more connected experts always Government budgetary provision for
stakeholders in the sector to educate coming together the sector which is insufficient.
and enlighten members of the public on
to find ways of In his words, “Optimizing these assets is
government policy, “I must applaud you
all for your effort, ranging from the
working together. the solution and we don't even need to
weekly briefing among others. The budget or spend one kobo on it. We
must try to communicate these things
populace needs to have more

’’ through our various media platforms.”

PAGE 47
 RETIREE CORNER
My Exceptional
Journey in TCN
M
y sojourn in the defunct PHCN and later the TCN
is one I will always cherish, having spent my
most active years in the service of the nation
with colleagues with whom I bonded and have remained
friends even after leaving service. I proudly describe it as
exceptional and that is what it was for me. The team spirit
and commitment were truly outstanding.
I was posted to the Transmission Sector of PHCN, now
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) as Principal
Manager (Finance & Account) in 2001, and retired as the
Executive Director (Finance & Account) in 2013. While I
served there, the TCN operated as a family not only in the
discharge of our various official assignments but also in
offering support to each other even in our personal
capacities. Furthermore, this camaraderie and teamwork
were illustrated in the interaction between the different
departments such as Engineering, Administration, and
Finance staff who sat together and would guide each other
in the initiation, planning, and smooth execution of projects.
PAGE 48
March 2022/Issue 33
By Hajiya Aisha Ahmadu (Rtd)
We jointly allocated funds within our envelope after the
Budget was approved and released. Staff welfare, especially
Medicare was and I trust is still of great concern and
priority to the Company. We were also very supportive of
each other by encouraging capacity building, especially
with regular staff training. We all worked late hours but
happily because of our bonding.
The cordial working atmosphere that we achieved was
attributable to our commonality and team spirit, which I
believe is still present and strongly recommend as the best
mode of operation and norm in a setting like the TCN.
I truly cherish my service in TCN which was very eventful
because of the enormous cooperation and support I
enjoyed from all categories of staff during my service
years. I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve
TCN in the different capacities in which I functioned.
Lastly, I hope TCN staff still maintain the tradition of being
their brothers' keepers both at work and in their personal
capacities. I recommend that Staff welfare should always
be given priority in decision-making while the staff, on the
other hand, should reciprocate by working diligently and
selflessly for the growth of the company.
’’I truly cherish my service in TCN
which was very eventful because of
the enormous cooperation and
support I enjoyed from all
categories of staff during my service
years. I am indeed grateful for the
opportunity to serve TCN in the
different capacities in which I
functioned.
’’
FRENCH
Voulez-vous apprendre
le français?
Do You Want to learn French?
ENGLISH
I am an Engineer
I work in TCN
I repair Transmission Lines
Do not build or stay under
transmission lines
Do not vandalise transmission
lines
Do not Dig near or around
Transmission lines and towers
TCN transmits electricity in the
most efficient and effective manner
TCN has 10 Regions across
the country
TCN is a member of WAPP
The MD/CEO of TCN is Engr.
Dr. Sule Abdulaziz. He is also the
Chairman of WAPP Executive
Board
TSP oversees the development
and maintenance of transmission
infrastructure in Nigeria
ISO coordinates generation and
transmission outages in Nigeria
The Market Operator is responsible
implementing Market Rules
PAGE 49
FRENCH
-Je suis ìngénieur
-Je travail à TCN
-je répare les lignes de
transmission
-Ne pas construire ou ne rester
sous les lignes de transmission
-Defense de vandaliser les lignes
de transmission.
-Ne creusez pas près ou autour
des lignes de transmission et
des pylônes
–TCN transporte l'électricité de la
manière la plus efficace et la
plus efficiente possible.
-TCN a 10 régions à travers le
pays
-TCN est membre de l'EEEOA
-Le MD/PDG de TCN est
l'ingenieur. Dr Sule Abdulaziz. Il
est gdement le President de
conseil executive du l'EEEOA
-TSP supervise le
développement et la
maintenance des infrastructures
de transport au Nigéria
–L'ISO coordonne les pannes de
production et de transmission au
Nigéria
–L'operateur de marché est for
responsable de la mise en oeuvre
des règles du marché
March 2022/Issue 33
T
WO FISH were swimming when they saw a piece
of meat dangling before them The younger fish
darted toward it with an open mouth.
The older fish cries out, Stop! "You can't see it, but there is a
hook inside that meat. It is connected by an invisible line to
a pole outside the water. There is a man holding the pole”
"THE TRUTH is, if you eat the meat, the hook will catch in
your jaw and the man will pull you out of the water. He will
cut you open with a knife, roast you on fire, and eat you.
Then he will throw your remains to his cat.”
The young fish stopped. The two swam away. But when
the young fish was alone, he thought to himself, “Let me
investigate the truth myself how accurate these lousy
claims are.”
He went back to the meat, and swam around it, above and
below it. He swam as far as he could in widening circles
around the meat.
After a long search, he said to himself, “I've looked far and
wide, and I haven't found any sign of a man, a pole, a knife, a
fire, or a cat. In fact, I've found nothing outside this water
we live in. I have come to realize my truth.”
"These must just be stories made up to limit our freedoms.”
He went back to the meat and ate it.
The hook caught in his jaw, and he felt himself being yanked
out of the water. For sure He saw a pole, a man, and a knife,
and a little further, he saw the man's cat sleeping in a shade,
but at that point his knowledge of THE TRUTH was useless.
It is exactly the story about some decisions we make on
this life's journey. Some are very selfish, others very
uninformed and yet some out of spite or just to
intentionally make others suffer, so you can dominate and
create relevance for yourself. Beware and exercise a bit of
caution for sometimes some of them may just have very
grave consequences.
Pause a little… wisdom is important in all things so that your
decision does not turn out to be the hook that catches
your jaw !
culled
 CIRCUIT BREAKER
CIRCUIT BREAKER MAINTENANCE
AND OPERATION IN TCN
INTRODUCTION. - Circuit breakers (CB) are mechanical
devices designed to close or open contact members, thus,
closing and opening of an electrical circuit under normal and
abnormal conditions. Circuit breakers, which are usually
employed for the protection of electrical circuits, are equipped
with a trip coil connected to a relay or other means, designed
to open the circuit breaker automatically under abnormal
conditions such as over-current, earth-fault etc. The circuit
breaker performs the following functions;
- Carries the full-load current continuously without
overheating.
- Opens and closes the circuit on load, i.e., switching during
normal operating conditions for the purpose of operational
maintenance.
- Makes and breaks normal current.
- Makes and breaks short-circuit currents of magnitude up
to which it is designed for, i.e., when it is to make or break
PAGE 50
March 2022/Issue 33
By Dr. Inugonum and Engr. Duke Ilem Ugo
short circuit currents, it is subjected to mechanical and
thermal stresses. (Switching during abnormal condition
such as short circuits and interrupting the fault current.
Circuit breakers are classified according to the following
categories;.
- Rated voltage.
- Arc extinction medium.
- Type of operating mechanism.
- Type of construction
- Structural form
ARC-EXTINCTION MEDIA EMPLOYED IN CBs-
- AIR – (Atmospheric air/Compressed air).
- Dielectric Oil (Transformer Oil)-
- Sulphur Hexafluoride (Sf6) Gas
- Vacuum.
CURRENT INTERRUPTION MODES: -
- High Resistance Current Interruption mode is employed in
CIRCUIT BREAKER March 2022/Issue 33

POSSIBLE CIRCUIT BREAKER PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

all HVDC CBs by the automatic insertion of high resistance
in the CB circuit to divert and extinguished arcing.

- Zero-Point Current Interruption mode is employed in ac

CBs by extinguishing the arcing by the timing of the zero-
value position of current with the rapid operation of the
operation mechanism to achieve rapid build-up of
dielectric strength of the contact space.

FAULT-CLEARING PROCESS OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER: If we

consider a fault occurrence and clearing process of a circuit
breaker, the following order of sequence of operation is
observed:

Fault Occurs --- Relay contact closes --- Operating

Mechanism operates --- Arcing --- Clearance.
CB FAULT CLEARING ANALYSIS
[Fault clearing time] = [Relay time)] + [Circuit breaker time]
[Relay time] = [Instant of fault] to [Closure of trip circuit]
[CB time] = [Closure of trip circuit] to [final arc extinction].
[CB time] = [Opening time + arcing time].

CIRCUIT BREAKERS: - RATED CHARACTERISTICS: The ratings

of a circuit breaker denote its capabilities under specified
conditions of use and behavior. The following rated
characteristics are generally specified for all high voltage ac
circuit breakers;
- Rated voltage
- Rated insulation level
- Rated frequency
- Rated normal current (rated current)
- Rated short-circuit breaking current
- Rated short-circuit making current
- Rated operating sequence (duty cycle).

MAINTENANCE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER

Maintaining a circuit breaker is any action or activity carried
out to prolong its lifespan and optimize its performance.
The General Checklist for circuit breaker maintenance in TCN is
as follows;
- Check for overheating of CB terminals, expansion joints,
solid joints and jumpers, check tightness of connectors,
clamps – retighten if necessary.
- Check for sulphate or oxidation formation and clean if any,
put no-oxide grease on connectors.
- Clean and lubricate all the moving part and joints of the
operating mechanism.
- Check the surrounding structure, check for tightness of
ground clamps. clean and check contacts and connections
of auxiliary switches, clean rusty parts and paint, if
necessary, change desiccants.
- Carry out Megger and timing test and continuity test both
on CB open and close position.

PAGE 51
SUBSTATION March 2022/Issue 33

APIR 330/132/34.5kV
TRANSMISSION SUBSTATION

T
he Apir 330/132/34.5kV Transmission Substation is one
of the ultra-modern stations in the Nigerian grid today. It
is strategically located at 17KM from Makurdi Town in
Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. It is the TCN
network's shortest power gateway between the Northern and
Eastern Grids, and completes the ring circuit of the grid network.
The station supplies 3No. 132kV transmission substations namely:
Apir, Yandev and Otukpo 132kV station, but was recently
connected to the newly built Kashmibilia Power Station,
Kashimbila, Wukari and Takum 132kV Transmission Substation in
Taraba State through Yandev-Wukari 132kV DC transmission line.
Apir 330kV Transmission Substation is equipped with one
150MVA, 330/132/34.5kV transformer and 75MVAR 330kV
Reactors
Through Yandev 132kV Transmission Line, the Substation feeds a
40MVA 132/33kV Mobitra in Apir 132/33kV Transmission
Substation. The same line runs to Yandev 132/33kV and Otukpo
132/33kV Transmission Substations. The same line can also
receive supply the from New Haven substation, via New Haven-
Otukpo 132kV Transmission line into Otukpo, Yandev and Apir
132kV Substations. While Apir 132kV line from Apir 330kV
Substation feeds a 60MVA 132/34.5kV Transformer in Apir
132kV Transmission Substation.
From Yandev 132kV Transmission Substation, power is wheeled
to many locations like Gboko, Katsina-Ala and the Dangote
Cement Factory, all in Benue State. Other areas are Wukari,
Kashimbilla and Takum in Taraba State, Vandekya and Obudu in
Cross River State.

The station has 4No. 330kV lines namely, the Ugwuaji 330kV
The Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation, fed into Otukpo
Transmission Line one, Ugwuaji 330kV Transmission Line two, Jos
Metropolis and environs, Taraku and Oju Towns, all in Benue State.
330kV Transmission Line one and Jos 330kV Line two. The
Other areas being fed from Otukpo 132kV Transmission
substation also has 2No. 132kV transmission lines, namely, Yandev
Substation, are Ankpa Town and environs, in Kogi State.
132kV Transmission Line and Apir 132kV Transmission Line.

PAGE 52
 POWER March 2022/Issue 33

The Necessity of A

Robust Power Sector

By Ndidi Mbah

Federal Government in conjunction with power

sector players, led by the Nigerian Electricity
Regulatory Commission NERC, convened a critical
meeting in Lagos, where realistic discussions were
held on the state of the nation with regards to
power. Concrete decisions were made on
immediate and long-term solutions that would
quickly improve power supply nationwide with a
renewed pledge to tenaciously pursue the
decisions. Emphasis was on synergy and focus on
the implementation of the collective decisions.

The Chairman of NERC and representatives of

sector players addressed the press after the

T
meeting.
he power sector provides one of the most essential
services that aid human survival, development, and
Excerpts;
technological advancement. It impacts humanity
NERC CHAIRMAN
profoundly, from our day-to-day activity to technological
The NERC Chairman, Engr. Sanusi Garba noted that work was
advancement, which supports every facet of human existence,
ongoing to urgently restore supply and surpass last year's sector
from the farm and farm produce preservation to the factories, to
performance. According to him, gas pipeline supplying Okpai was
every kind of developmental effort hinged on technology. It is the
repaired and the power plant brought back on stream, discussions
bane of technological advancement.
were ongoing to secure gas for a new generation unit in Okpai.

In Nigeria, gas is the main fuel for power generation, while hydro
Pigging of the gas pipeline supplying Calabar has been completed,
takes second place. Therefore, any shortage in gas supply for
and gas supply resumed, restoring 455 megawatts into the grid.
power generation is bound to impact negatively on the power
He noted that part of the challenge of increasing generation has
supply to consumers. That was why recently, the nation's power
been bringing some level of certainty to gas supply.
supply plummeted to an all-time low, especially early in March
2022, when gas supply for generation hit the lowest in recent
He said that with NERC's approval, the Niger Delta Power Holding
times. This brought the nation to a near crisis situation save for
Company has secured gas supply from the Nigerian gas marketing
government intervention. Government intervention has to a large
company and eight power plants will be brought back on stream.
extent helped restore gas supply and consequently power
generation. This, though commendable, does not however deal
Before the recent gas incident, the Okpai power plant was
decisively with the long-term challenge of resolving the
generating up to 600-650MW. With the current intervention,
intractable issue of consistency in the payment of gas for power
however, Afam and other gas-fired power plants would soon
generation and proper pricing to ensure sustainability.
begin to generate optimally. A lot of work was being done to ramp
up generation beyond what it was before the gas saga, This is
In the case of the recent outage situation, several factors came
supported by investments happening in the entire value chain, he
into play from the shortage of gas to low water supply in the dam,
added.
lack of observance of the maintenance cycle by generators, and
plant fault. Plant fault can be managed, as other generators can
On the transmission network, he noted that several projects were
increase generation if the quantum of gas required is available.
currently being executed while the distribution companies
secured long-term funding to enable them invest towards
However, as part of Government intervention and to reassure
improving the distribution network and also provide meters to
Nigerians about its sincerity in pragmatically dealing with this, the
consumers.

PAGE 53
 POWER March 2022/Issue 33

MD NDPHC
Barr. Chiedu Ugbo said NDPHC contracted a long-term firm gas
agreement with the Nigerian gas marketing company (NGC) to
enable it consistently generate at least 600MW. This has enabled
the company begin to get gas from NGC. NDPHC he said will add
over one thousand (1000) megawatts to the power pool.
Gas supply, he noted will also increase significantly as soon as
Total Nigeria, lifts the force majore it invoked on the supply of gas
to Alaoji Power plant, this will further add 337MW to the grid.
Completion of maintenance work on Geregu Power Plant will
enable NDPHC recover an additional 435MW in the month of April.
He affirmed that other efforts were ongoing and that the grid
would soon be back to normal and even better.
MD CEO TCN
Dr. Sule Abdulaziz apologized to Nigerians for the recent grid
collapse and load-shedding which lasted for almost a week, noting
that at the same period last year the sector peaked at 5,700,
5,800, 5,200 respectively, noting that this year, the grid was more
robust but for the poor gas supply which negatively
impacted generation and consequently grid stability.
Haruna said that the distribution companies were on their own,
working hard to expand their capability, saying, as the last leg in
the value chain, we have looked at existing capability and are
working hard to ensure we can accommodate the increase in
power generation, through investment and regular maintenance.
The regulatory commission is assessing and monitoring the
performance of each distribution company, and at the same time,
the DisCos have continued to identify areas of expansion to
accommodate more power. Modalities have also been put in place
to ensure that allocation to DisCos is paid for, even if they fail to
supply consumers.
NERC, he continued, has put in place service-based tariffs to
monitor performance and ensure that customers received
electricity under categories A, B, C, and D to further help regulate
power supply.
The Commission recently approved a 100 billion CAPEX
expansion program for the DisCos to ensure that the expected
increase in electricity is efficiently delivered to end-users. DisCos

He said that the grid though restored, required a lot of work

due to years of neglect and that since 2015, the present
administration has continued to invest in the transmission
network. TCN was also executing projects funded through
its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and donor funding.

He affirmed that TCN was consistently expanding the grid

in line with its grid expansion plan and the Service Level
Agreement, regime saying that but for the two-system
collapse, caused by poor gas supply, records, clearly
showed that the system was more stable presently than it
had been previously. He noted that in 2018, TCN recorded
12 system collapses; in 2019 it recorded 9. In 2020 four
(4) system collapses were recorded and last year grid
recorded two (2) collapses. were investing in power sector projects and very soon the benefit
would begin to show.
“This year we believed TCN will not have any more system
collapse, but as recent events have shown, scarcity of gas and He further explained that Service Level Agreement between the
faults can happen, causing system disturbance. Also, the system is distribution and transmission companies requires TCN to deliver
yet to have full SCADA and spinning reserve, in spite of this, we agreed bulk power to DisCos load centers and the DisCos to
have had minimal incidence of system disturbance with very short deliver the same to the end-users. Inability to do this attracts a
restoration time’’, he said. penalty. The penalty is an attempt to further improve service
delivery and eliminate negligence.
He confirmed that project implementation was ongoing in the
nation's transmission network with several projects already He noted that these efforts would start manifesting once the gas
completed. issue is regularized. Pointing out that before the recent gas to a
power issue, some areas were getting twenty-four power supply
DISCO REPRESENTATIVE and that the scenario will be repeated in many more areas.
Speaking on behalf of the distribution companies, Engr. Garba

PAGE 54
 GIZ March 2022/Issue 33

GIZ PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR NAPTIN

ON-LINE TRAINING

The Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Chairman of WAPP, Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz presenting one of the
Laptop Computers given to NAPTIN by GIZ, GmbH of Germany, to the Director General of NAPTIN Mr.Ahmed Bolaji Nagode.

A
s part of continued support to the National Power
Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPITN), the
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH of Germany has provided
Laptop Computer Systems to assist in bolstering the online
training programme of the training institute.
(WAPP), Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, at the Transmission
Company of Nigeria (TCN), Headquarters, recently.
While making the presentation, on behalf of GIZ, Germany,
Engr. Abdulaziz commended GIZ and advised NAPTIN to put
the computers to good use.

The laptop computers which include: 3 HP ELITEBOOK
840GB NOTEBOOK PC, 3 Logitech H600 wireless handsets,
and 3 ethernet cables were presented to the Director-
General of NAPTIN, Mr. Ahmed Bolaji Nagode by the
MD/CEO, TCN, and Chairman of the West African Power Pool
Appreciating the laudable gesture, the Director-General of
NAPTIN, Mr. Ahmed Bolaji Nagode thanked GIZ and West
African Power Pool for providing the equipment to NAPTIN
and assured that the equipment will be used for the purpose
for which they were provided.

PAGE 55
 SUBSTATIONS
DIGITIZATION OF OLD SUBSTATIONS
T
CN has commenced the digitization of all old
transmission substations in its network. The
digitization project is aimed at improving the
automation system of old transmission substations and
their connectivity with the proposed TCN SCADA System.
The scope of work for the project includes the supply,
installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of
Substation Automation Systems (SAS) as well as the
control and relay protection systems in the substations.
This project would further contribute to grid management
and reduce system losses.
Our eyes are placed in front
because it is more important to look ahead
than to look back.
TCN UPGRADES EGBIN
330/132/33kV SUBSTATION
T
he Egbin 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation
has been upgraded with the installation of a
60MVA 132/33kV power transformer. The
transformer which was installed by TCN in-house
engineers was energized on the 2nd of March 2022.
With the new 60MVA power transformer, the substation
capacity to supply bulk electricity to Ikeja Electricity
Distribution Company has increased by 24MW. This is
PAGE 56
March 2022/Issue 33
By Ogechukwu Uzor
The digitization project is funded by the World Bank under
NETAP (Nigerian Electricity Transmission Project) and
managed by the Project Management Unit of TCN. In Port-
Harcourt Region alone, five substations would be digitized,
including Afam 1, Ahoada, Yenegoa, Owerri, and Uyo
substations.
A team from TCN-PMU and the General Manager
(Transmission) Port-Harcourt Region, Engr. Daniel Udofia,
formally handed the duly executed document on the
digitization project to the contractor at the Afam 1
Substation, marking the beginning of the digitization
process for old substations in the nation's transmission grid.
By Tosin Olasehinde
because TCN has decommissioned an old 30MVA
transformer within the substation, which will be serviced
and moved to other areas within its network that have a
history of minimal electricity demand.
This substation capacity upgrade will ensure that more
power is made available for IKEDC to take to its franchise
areas within Ijeda LCDA and Ikorodu Local Government
Area axis.
 Public Affairs
GM Public Affairs Charges Staff on
PROFESSIONALISM
T
he General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Mrs. Ndidi
Mbah has charged the staff of the Public Affairs
Division to exhibit professionalism in discharging
their duties as the image molding arm of the Company.
Mrs. Ndidi Mbah gave the charge during a five–day
conference for staff of the department themed; “Raising PR
Professionals in a Dynamic World”, on Tuesday, 6th – 10th
December 2021, in Abuja.
According to her, it is important for staff in the Public Affairs
Division to understand their critical role as Public Affairs
practitioners in projecting the image and accomplishments
of TCN to the general public. When Public Affairs staff do
their job professionally, she continued, electricity
consumers will not only come to appreciate the great
achievements in the power sector value chain, but the
Company as well will better appreciate that Public Affairs is
a key component in the company's operations.
She further charged them to create good working
relationship with other staff of the company, most
importantly the heads of departments in regional offices to
bridge communication gaps and enhance smooth access to
information for timely dissemination. She enjoined them to
take full advantage of the program to ensure that they were
positively impacted and better positioned to deliver on
their assignments.
The all-engaging conference which was also an avenue to
orient new employees of the division, addressed obvious
lapses, and identified areas of urgent attention and way
forward to ensure optimum productivity. It also witnessed
several practical sessions on contemporary issues relevant
to Public Affairs practice in Power Transmission Companies
PAGE 57
March 2022/Issue 33
By Uloma Osuagwu
to bring participants up to speed on developments in the
sector.
…Visit to Transmission Substations
As part of the learning process, the participants visited the
Apo132/33kV Transmission Substation and
330/132/33kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) in the
Central Area of Abuja, to familiarize themselves with the
two types of substations operated within the nation's grid.
…Visit to NAPTIN and NELMCO
The high point of the conference was the visit to the
National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), Abuja, where
Mr. Yusuf Khalil, a NAPTIN instructor gave an overview of
the power system in Nigeria and how electricity is
generated, and the transmission process up to
consumption. The MD/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Liability
Management (NELMCO), Mr. Bayo Fagbemi, on his part,
spoke on the role of NELMCO in the Nigerian Power
Industry.
A communiqué was issued at the end of the Conference to
address pressing issues for Management's consideration
and the way forward, which includes addressing gaps and
limitations faced by PR in discharging their duties
professionally.
The communique also recommended the approval for more
community outreaches and campaigns such as Town Hall
meetings and Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) to
enhance mutual relationships between TCN and its
stakeholders, and further facilitate efforts to safeguard TCN
assets from Vandalism, excavation, encroachment on Right
of Way (RoW); a communication strategy for the
upcoming year as well as corporate branding of all TCN
locations (signboards) to distinguish TCN offices from
other power utilities in the country, amongst other.
 POTPURRI
POTPURRI
Two TCN staff, Engr. Abubakar Umar and Engr Godwin
Afam Aguiyi present their trophies to the Ag. MD/CEO TCN,
Engr Dr. Sule Abdulaziz. The duo won the 2021 inaugural
Tukur Yusuf Burutai International Golf and
Country Club’s Double Match
The Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, TCN, (Benin Region), Engr.
Mohammed Abdulazeez on his award of Doctorate Degree in Engineering,
(D.ENG) presented to him at an International Management Summit in Dubai (UAE),
by the Commonwealth University and Masterclass Certificate School.
PAGE 58
March 2022/Issue 33
SPORT CLUB
ENUGU REWARDS TCN
SPORTS LOVERS
Sports lovers in TCN Enugu Region were
recently rewarded in an event hosted by the
New Haven Recreation Club in Enugu, at the end
of three-day sports activities which the end of
the year 2021.
Declaring the event opened, the Assistant
General Manager (Technical Services) Engr. Ada
Okafor, TCN, encouraged executives of the
Sports & Recreation club to continue to find
ways of promoting sporting activities especially
as physical exercise plays a very important role in
achieving good physical and mental health.
She applauded the partnership with the TCN
Enugu region, noting that their gesture was
commendable as it had ensured that staff who
were not sports enthusiasts participated in
various sporting activities, boosting their health.
She encouraged them to keep up the good work
noting that the region will certainly benefit from
the continued partnership with them.
The activities involved vital signs check of all staff
of the region by qualified medical personnel, this
was followed by a detailed nutrition seminar,
which elaborated on the need for strict discipline
in the choice of food as most people eventually
suffer from junk food consumption and effects of
sedentary living.
The highlight of the progrmme was the football
match involving men and women in the region,
played between the regional and sub-regional
office teams. The programme was spiced by
cultural dancers and the presentation of awards
to winners of sporting events.
 Sensitization
WB Organizes Sensitization on
Gender Based Violence
T
he World Bank has in collaboration with TCN under
its NETAP projects organized a one-day
sensitization programme on sexual abuse and
gender-based violence for staff of the Enugu Region of
TCN.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the programme,
the Enugu Regional Transmission Manager (TCN) Enugu
Region, Engr. (Dr) Emmanuel Nwani stated that the
programme was intended to create awareness, to enable
participants to appreciate the negative impact of sexual
exploitation and abuse. He urged the participants to pay
keen attention so as to understand the necessary attitudinal
change that the sensitization was expected to engender.
The programme dealt with topics such as “Understanding
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”, “Gender-Based Violence”
Principles/Code of Conduct in Various Settings’’ and “Code
of Conduct Violation. Emphasis was also laid on the he root
cause and types of Gender-based violence within and
outside the workplace. The programme also highlighted
prohibitions including;
§ sexual exploitation including any actual or
attempted abuse of position, vulnerability or
trust for sexual purposes, including but not
limited to profiting monetarily, socially or
Poverty is lack of creativity not lack of resources.
Deep poverty comes
from within the mind, it blinds
avenues for emancipation.
PAGE 59
March 2022/Issue 33
By Mary Phillip Udom
politically from one sexual exploitation of
another.
§ rape, which means physically forced or otherwise
coerced penetration – (no matter how slight) of
the vagina or anus with an object. Rape includes
marital rape and anal rape/ sodomy. Rape can be
by one person or a committed gang. Any
attempt to do so is known as attempted rape.
§ sexual assault, which means any form of non-
consensual contact that does not result in or
include penetration. This includes attempted
rape, unsolicited kissing, fondling or touching of
genitals and buttocks.
§ engaging in any form of sexual activity with
individuals under the age of 18 except in case of
pre-existing marriage among others.
Participants were also charged to desist from any acts of
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) as such will henceforth
be subject to investigation in TCN and offenders punished
appropriately. Punishment may range from suspension to
dismissal and even imprisonment prosecution and eventual
imprisonment.
TRANSFORMERS March 2022/Issue 33

POWER TRANSFORMERS By Engr. Suleiman Isiaka

A
transformer is a mechanism or device designed to
transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another.
This is done to increase the electrical voltage as
electricity travels through long distances of wires or cabling.
Wires have a certain amount of electrical resistance in them
and so as electricity travels through them, some are lost. The
amount of electricity lost depends on the length of wire it
passes through. From an electrical substation where power is
routed to a person's home, electricity is then translated by a
transformer into high voltage, with conversely low current.
This prevents energy loss over distance.
For electricity to be of use for household appliances, another
transformer must translate the electricity into a low voltage
and high current format. This is why one sees so many power
transformers at the top of electric power lines in both
residential and commercial areas.
Presently, the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) has
various power transformers in its network, ranging from
60MVA to 300MVA at the 330kV voltage level, 7.5MVA to
100MVA at 132kV voltage level and various capacity mobile
substations also at 132kV voltage level. The 300MVA
transformer is the highest capacity power transformer in the
TSP network. Below is a summary of transformers in the TSP
network.

Transformers at 330kV Voltage level

Item Rating Voltage Level
1. 330MVA 330/132/33kV
2. 150MVA 330/132/33/kV
3. 90MVA 330/132/13.8kV
4. 80MVA 330/132/13.8kV
5. 60MVA 330/132/13.8kV

Transformers at 132kV Voltage Level in TSP

1. 100MVA 132/33kV
2. 60MVA 132/33kV
3. 45MVA 132/33/11kV
4. 30/40MVA 132/33kV
5. 30MVA 132/33kV
6. 15MVA 132/33kV
7. 7.5MVA 132/11kV

PAGE 60
 March 2022/Issue 33
TRANSFORMERS

MOBILE Substations (MOBITRA) in TSP

1. 60MVA 132/33kV
2. 45MVA 132/33kV
3. 40MVA 132/33kV
4. 30/40MVA 132/33kV
5. 30MVA 132/33kV
6. 15MVA 132/11kV

Unlike the transformer we find in our homes, a power
transformer's appearance and construction are somewhat
more complicated. It is not just a simple winding with a
primary and secondary terminal, although basically, any
transformer has one. The function that a power transformer
performs in an electrical system is very important and an
electric utility cannot afford to lose it in the electricity
transmission process. Our discussion here will focus more on
the basic tangible parts of a power transformer. Although
power transformers are not all identical, nonetheless they all
have the following parts:
1. Transformer Tank - This holds the transformer
windings and its insulating medium (oil-filled). Transformer
tanks must be air-tight for them to isolate their content from
any atmospheric contaminants.
2. High Voltage Bushing - This is the terminal where
the primary windings of the transformer terminate and serve
as an insulator from the transformer tank. Its creep age
distance is dependent on the voltage rating of the transformer.
3. Low Voltage Bushing-This is the terminal where the
secondary windings of the transformer terminate and serve as
an insulator from the transformer tank. Low voltage bushing
can be easily distinguished from its high voltage counterpart
since low voltage bushings are usually smaller in size
compared to high voltage bushing.
4. Cooling Fins/Radiator - For a transformer to
dissipate the heat generated in its oil insulation, cooling fins,
and radiators are usually attached to the transformer tanks.
The capacity of the transformer is dependent on its
temperature, that is why it must have a cooling mechanism for
better performance and higher efficiency.
5. Cooling Fans- Cooling fans can either be timer-
controlled or winding/oil temperature-controlled. Cooling
fans help raise transformer capacity when the temperature of
the transformer rises due to loading.
Cooling fans used on the transformer are actuated with the
help of a relaying device which enables the fan to
automatically run when it senses a relatively high temperature.

Stay Focused Stay Strong

PAGE 61
 THOUGHTS March 2022/Issue 33

PAGE 62
 NSE
NSE Maitama Branch Visits
TCN Katamkpe Substation
T
he Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Maitama
Branch recently, Abuja paid a technical visit to the
Katamkpe 330/132kV Transmission Substation of
the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The Principal Manager, System Operations of the Katamkpe
330/132kV Transmission Sub-station, Engr Thomas
Oladeji-Ojo who received the visiting team on behalf of the
Management on Tuesday, 30th March, 2022, enlightened
them on the process of wheeling power from the national
grid to the distribution companies.
Engr Oladeji-Ojo who gave first hand view of the facility
said that the visit which was a catalyst which TCN as an
engineering entity needed to have with professional
engineers. He said TCN welcome collaborative efforts that
PAGE 63
March 2022/Issue 33
By 'Jumoke Dare
would further enhance the power sector as well as help in
the effective implementation of its mandate.
He emphasised the intensity of the voltage of transmission
lines and asserted that it was for this reason, that TCN
advises people to observe a safedistance from transmission
lines in order to avoid the dangers associated with
violation of the right of wrong (ROW) corridor.
The Vice Chairman of the NSE Maitama Branch, Engr Okoye
U. Henry, MNSE, who represented the Chairman, Engr
Oladipupo Isiaka Mabogaje, FNSE, stated that the vision of
the NSE leadership was to promote the engineering
profession in Nigeria. Asserting that it was in this light that
the delegation visited TCN to see how they could rub minds
together and alleviate the challenges in the power sector.
 1. That The Oldest 330kv Lines In Transmission Grid Areas;

That The Oldest 132kV Lines In Transmission Grid Areas;

That The Longest Lines In The Transmission Grid Areas;

That The Tallest 330kV Tower And Length Areas;

That TCN’s 132kV Underground Cables Areas Located in;

PAGE 64
AUDIT March 2022/Issue 33

Equipment Audit Operational Efficiency

By: Engr. Henry Aliche

Equipment is considered to be an asset to a business or
personal holdings. A transformer can be considered to be
equipment and an asset because it has value.
In order to make sure that equipment is being maintained to
the highest standards, an audit should be undertaken at least
once a year so that any issue(s) that may diminish the value of
the equipment/asset can be immediately resolved. This goes
beyond value, as regular equipment checkups can also help to
make equipment safer for use.
Many organizations choose to do yearly equipment audits
because they seek to ensure that they actually have all the
equipment listed on their asset sheet. These audits help to
regulate employees' actions and ensure that the equipment is
where it is supposed to be. The first step in many equipment
audits is to make sure that the equipment is at the physical
location that it is assigned.
What Happens During an Equipment Audit?
Many audits begin with a visual inspection of the equipment;
the auditor will carefully look at all the components of the
equipment to make sure they are in good working condition.
This visual inspection will also note any repairs that may have
been made, that need to be made, or upgrades that could be
made to ensure the equipment runs more efficiently. If there
are severe issues that would affect the operational efficiency
or the safety of those operating the equipment, the auditor
may choose to recommend that the equipment be
immediately taken out of service.
Impact of Equipment Audit on TCN Operational Efficiency
1. Equipment auditing helps to verify a proper level of
depreciation that is not above and beyond what one
is to claim on that value.
2. Through equipment auditing, preventive
maintenance is planned; this reduces equipment
downtime.
3. The longevity of equipment is increased with
equipment auditing.
4. It aids Management with technical budget planning
and advises Management on equipment aging.
5. It aids in efficient stocktaking and eliminates ghost
equipment.
6. Optimizes store handling of company equipment.
7. It enhances data gathering and improves the quality
of data for proper database management.
8. Reduction of equipment downtime translates to an
increase in revenue.
9. Equipment auditing will help in ascertaining the actual
value of the company, thereby attracting investors.
10. Annual equipment auditing will give a true reflection
of the state of every piece of equipment
11. Annual equipment auditing is a key index for
organizational growth assessment.

Nwaoguegbe John Uzoma, Officer I (MVD), Samotu Salami Oyekanmi, Officer I (MVD), Micheal Ita Solomon, staff IV (Adim & CS),
Enugu Region Osogbo Region Uyo Work Center, Portharcourt Region

The journey of life is one we are never sure how and when it will end. By the way, does any of us know how it
started? Simply No! Your demise brought shock, tears, and for some regrets. God is however not taken by surprise for
He alone understands the end from the beginning.
Today memories of you are the real you we know, memories that are also a part of our own sojourn on this earth.
Adieu!

PAGE 65
 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OCTOBER - MARCH 2022
· Installation of 60MVA 132/33kV power
transformer at Egbin Transmission Substation.
· Replacement and Commissioning of T1 60MVA
Power Transformer at Gombe Transmission
Substation.
· Installation of tower members on Apo-Karu-
Keffi 132kV line at Apo and Keffi Transmission
Substation.
· Rehabilitation of vandalized tower members
along the Benin/Omotosho/Egbin 330kV
transmission line.(B5M & B6N from T119 -
T129 (4.5km) and T130- T131).
· Replacement of vandalized tower Members on
Kukwaba – Apo 132kV D.C line by Apo
Transmission Substation.
· Installation of the differential relay on 30MVA
132/33kV Transformer TR1, at Ajaokuta II
Transmission Substation.
· Replacement of a shattered CVT on 132kV
Minna-Suleja Line 1.
· Replacement of defective 132kV line
disconnector with Earthing Switch at 132/33kV
Keffi Transmission Substation.
· Replacement of cut Skywire on Minna-Suleja
Line on T103-T106.
PAGE 66
· Decommissioning and installation of a new
132kV CB on 132kV Afam/PH line 2.
· Re-stringed the collapsed Yellow Phase
Rumuosi/PH 132kV line and replaced
composite insulators at PH Mains
Transmission Substation.
· Replacement of vandalized conductor along
Minna-Suleja 132kV double Circuit
transmission line.
· Re-stringed the snapped yellow Phase on
the Afam/PH 132kV line 1, between Towers
T88a and T88b.
· Replacement of broken Insulators on Tower
T59 of Kainji-Jebba 330kV transmission Line
2 (K2J).
· Decommissioning and replacement of failed
132kV Circuit Breaker on the Delta/Afiesere
132kV Transmission line.
· Replacement of 1 no. 330kV CT at Alaoji
NIPP Y-phase CT clamp at Umuahia
Transmission Substation.
· TCN equally undertook routinely scheduled
line trace and equipment maintenance in all
its regions within the quarter, as well as
replaced circuit breakers, battery banks, and
defective insulators among others.
CULTURE
The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, celebrating Ofala Festival
OFALA FESTIVAL/CULTURAL DAY IN IBAGWA
NIKE KINGDOM OF ENUGU STATE
A festival is a series of performances that include music, plays,
and cultural dances organized periodically. It is also a day or
period of the year when people of a particular community
suspend their routine work and other engagements to
celebrate a special event.
The great people of Ibagwa Nike, Enugu State, originated from
Angwa (Igala), around the 7th Century, through a man named
Enenwudala, the son of Ozizi Koko, a warlord of Angwa, Idah
(Igala Kingdom). Ibagwa Aka, Ibagwa Ani and Ibagwa Alor
Communities in Enugu East of Enugu State are all from the same
root.
The Ibagwa Nike Kingdom is made up of five villages
representing the five sons of Enenwudala, namely; Oshimene,
Anekeode, Ogavene, Ezeneke and Aguode, in their order of
seniority. The Ibagwa community traced its roots to Igala tribe
of Kogi State.
Ofala Festival Celebration
The Ofala Festival is a hallowed event for the sons and
daughters of Ibagwa Nike Kingdom. The festival consists of
PAGE 67
March 2022/Issue 33
By Mary Philips-Udom
events featuring spiritual cleansing, prayers, and honoring of
deserving kinsmen and women from within the community and
outside as well as friends of the Kingdom from other tribes,
races, and nationalities.
The celebration of the Ofala Festival in Ibagwa Nike Kingdom of
Enugu State is a seven-day affair. The first day is a day of
spiritual cleansing which features people praying for the
Community while the Igwe (paramount ruler), prays indoors.
The community prayer lasts for three days and on the fourth
day, the Igwe and his cabinet make specific prayers for the four
market days of Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo.
At night on the fifth day, which is regarded as a night of
retrospection, the Igwe and his cabinet deliberate on various
issues/challenges affecting the five communities and take
important decisions. They also review their activities, and list
the people that are to be conferred with Chieftaincy titles.
The sixth day is solidarity visit day for in-laws and Umunna
(Kinsmen) who pay a private visit to the Igwe in his Palace.
CULTURE
The Seventh-day is the Ofala Festival day proper. Activities
marking the festival start at about five o'clock in the morning,
with the traditional Twenty-One Gun Salute known as “Afia na
ano, izu na ano”. At about 7.30 am, the Igwe would visit the
oldest man in the community for the breaking of kola nuts, with
some gifts and kola nuts. At 8.00 am, the Parish priest of All
Saints Catholic Church, Ibeagwa would conduct service at the
Igwe's Palace in recognition of the Ofala Festival, Afterwards,
youths of the community pay homage to the Igwe in his
Palace. The homage by the youth of the community is a signal
for guests to enter the Igwe's palace to pay homage.
Masquerade display at the festival
After receiving the guests, the Igwe and his traditional ruling
council then arrive at the village square, where the Community
district heads and those expected to receive Chieftaincy titles
pay homage to the Igwe.
During every Ofala Celebration, the Ibagwa Community plays
host to massive crowds of cultural enthusiasts, comprising the
political class, diverse businessmen and women, renowned
professionals, traditional rulers, and cultural troops, from within
and outside the Community. The masquerades also have a field
day, displaying to the cheering crowd.
The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ibagwa
people, and is usually an occasion for public enlightenment,
PAGE 68
March 2022/Issue 33
especially regarding to the history of the people.
Besides the cultural activities, the Igwe uses the event to
honour distinguished leaders, including Governors, Federal
Ministers, Judges, and Legislators with exceptional royal titles
such as the conferment of “Enyikwo Nwa of Ibagwa” on the
Former Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Ibrahim
Shema. Nigeria's former Inspector General of Police, Mike
Okiro, CON, was also given the title, “Chiamadike of Ibagwa”.
Others are Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir, the “Ezeudo of Ibagwa”,
Bashir Wali, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, “Anya Necheibe
of Ibagwa” and Amb. Maitama Sule is the “Ezedioramma of
Ibagwa” to mention but a few. As a matter of culture, every
awardee who is not from the community is first adopted as a
citizen before conferment of the honour.
During the 2014 Ofala festival, held from 26th to 29th of
December, the Attah Igala, HRM Michael Idakwo Ameh,
Agabaidu-Oboni II, led a large delegation of Igala traditional
authorities and cultural performers on a three-day visit to
Ibagwa Nike Kingdom, their ancestral kins-folk.
At the end of the ceremony, the Igwe and his Lolo (wife) are
accompanied back to his Palace from the village square amidst
another twenty-one-gun salute signifying the end of the
ceremonies. Cultural troops and masquerades however
continue to entertain till sundown.
If we truly want to improve Electricity Supply,
We must stop Sand Excavators from Excavating near Transmission Towers.

TCN cannot be everywhere but you are here.

...transmitting electricity in the most efficient and effective manner

COMMITMENTS March 2022/Issue 33

Wedding
Galore

Mrs. Daughter of Asst General Manager, (HR) Alh Aminu Yau Mr. Noel Osaremen Rufus, Son of Mr. Rufus Imafidon.
and her husband Principal Manager (Public Affairs),and his wife

Engr. Obinna Anthony, Asst Manager, Engr. Ibrahim Ali Ma'aji, Officer I, (PC&M), Kano Region
(Substation Projects), CHQ, and his wife and his wife

Mrs Betnah Oloruntoba, Officer II, (Public Affairs),

\ Mr innocent oganiru nwokeji, Staff II (MVD),
Bauchi Region and her husband and his wife

PAGE 70
MOVING ON March 2022/Issue 33

Retirement

Engr. Geoffrey Nwokoye, General Manager, Engr. Uche Eleke, General Manager, (Corporate Planning) ISO
Engineering

Mr. Lawal Saka, Asst. General Manager, (Audit) MO

Engr. Ayuba Ghumdia, General Manager, (Procurement)TSP

Mr. Louis Ugwu, Principal Manager, (F&A), Enugu region Mr Bukar Kwami, Officer II (MVD), CHQ

Mr Yahaya Umar, Officer II (MVD) CHQ Engr. Haruna Isa Ado, Officer II (Admin), Kaduna RegionI

PAGE 71
 AFRICAN COUNTRIES

ALGERIA LESOTHO
BOTSWANA MADAGASCAR
CAMEROON MAURITHANIA
CHAD NAMIBIA
DJIBOUTI RWANDA
EQUATORIALGUNIEA SIERRALEONE
GABON SOUTHSUDAN
GUNIEA TANZANIA
KENYA UGANDA
LIBYA BENIN
MALI BURUNDI
MOZAMBIQUE CENTRALAFRICANREPUBLIC
NIGERIA CONGO
SEYCHELLES EGYPT
SOUTHAFRICA ETHIOPIA
SWAZILAND GHANA
TUNISIA IVORYCOAST
ZIMBABWE LIBERIA
ANGOLA MALAWI
BURKINAFASO MOROCCO
CAPEVERDE NIGER
COMOROS SENEGAL
DRCONGO SOMALIA
ERITREA SUDAN
GAMBIA TOGO
GUNIEABISSA
U ZAMBIA

Engr. Dr. Sule A. Abdulaziz

Dr. Inugonum Thomas

Engr. Dele Shittu
Jumoke Dare Mrs. Joy Ameh
Rufus Imafidon Ogechukwu Uzor

PAGE 72