Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires approximately ₦2.8 trillion to execute 149 projects aimed at improving the nation’s electricity transmission.
This disclosure was made during separate sessions before power sector committees in the National Assembly, where Adelabu was defending the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget proposal.
Adelabu explained that the ₦2.779 trillion would support the execution of various projects across the country, though he noted that the ministry’s total budget is significantly smaller.
“I’m telling you so that you can be aware of the kind of money that is needed in the ministry for us to address our electricity challenges,” he said, urging for cooperation to meet the President’s mandate on improving power supply.
Further elaborating on efforts to enhance power infrastructure, Adelabu highlighted the Federal Government’s approval of the second phase of the Siemens power project under the Presidential Power Initiative.
The pilot stage of the project, completed in 2024, was noted to be 95% finished.
Adelabu said the Siemens initiative would address the nation’s outdated power equipment, particularly through the construction of five new substations aimed at tackling grid collapse.
“The Federal Government is fully determined to address these challenges,” he said, emphasizing the need for substantial upgrades to the nation’s power stations.
In addition to these projects, the Minister addressed the ongoing issue of vandalism affecting power sector infrastructure, describing it as a significant barrier to progress.
“We must be involved in serious advocacy on this issue,” he urged, stressing the importance of collaboration with security agencies to protect power assets.
He pointed to the destruction of transmission lines, citing the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna route, which had been targeted by bandits using dynamite.
“The damage to one is a damage to all, especially the transmission assets,” he said, calling for unified efforts to address the security threat.