2026: TCN unveils plans to grow wheeling capability beyond current 8,700MW

By Chris Ochayi

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz has assured Nigerians that the company will work assiduously to surpass its current 8,700MW wheeling capacity in the year 2026.

Engr. Abdulaziz, whose assurance was contained in his 2025 End-of-Year Goodwill Message released in Abuja, said the company will experience beehive of activities in this New Year.

He also promised to drive the company to become one of the leading electricity transmission companies in the world.

“As we look to the New Year, we cannot afford to rest on our oars. We will intensify efforts to further increase grid capacity, stability, and efficiency, as we continue to journey towards becoming one of the leading electricity transmission companies in the world

“TCN’s wheeling capability has grown to 8,700MW, ensuring that we are better prepared to support the nation’s increasing demand for electricity

*The future holds exciting opportunities, and I am confident that the TCN team has the vision and capability to seize them”, Abdulaziz declared.

Speaking further in the message with theme; “Reflecting on a Year of Progress delivering on our mandate. For and Powering Our Future Together”, the MD also discussed that the TCN advanced several critical projects funded by our development partners valued at over $1.16 billion.

According to him, “As we come to the end of another challenging yet remarkable year at TCN, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt resilience you have all shown.

“No doubt, this year has presented its unique set of challenges, from evolving regulatory landscapes to the persistent issues of infrastructure vandalization, wayleave and liquidity constraints that affect our operations. Yet, it is in overcoming these obstacles that the true strength of our team shines through.

“Through your unwavering commitment, we have continued to make significant strides in our core mandate of ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity across the nation, and as the year 2025 comes to a close, I look back with pride and gratitude at a year that has truly reshaped the identity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

“This has indeed been a historic year, one that will be remembered for the unbundling of TCN and the successful take-off of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

“With the accomplishment of this important reform article, TCN now stands fully focused on infrastructural development, maintenance, expanding and strengthening the transmission network, while NISO assumes responsibility for general administration of the System and Market operations as well as enforcement and compliance audit.

“It is a transition that reflects maturity in our sector and a bold step toward building the kind of electricity supply
industry Nigeria deserves.

*This year, we made deliberate strides to strengthen our infrastructure, rehabilitate aging assets, and expand transformer capacity across the country. With these efforts, TCN’s wheeling capability has grown to 8,700MW, ensuring that we are better prepared to support the nation’s increasing demand for electricity.

“A highlight of our progress came on March 4, 2025, when TCN transmitted an all-time peak generation of 5,801.84MW with a maximum daily energy of 128,370.75MWh delivered nationwide; the highest ever recorded in the country’s history.

“Between January 2024 and November 2025, we also commissioned eighty-two new power transformers, adding over 8,500MVA to the grid, a major boost to reliability and capacity.”

He noted that, “These accomplishments speak to TCN’s determination to keep improving the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector.

“It is interesting to note that, in the course of the year, TCN also advanced several critical projects funded by our development partners valued at over $1.16 billion.

“This partnership has resulted in projects such as the Abuja Feeding Scheme, which includes the construction of five new substations and a new 330kV transmission line.

“Some of these projects are already completed, while others are ongoing, aimed at modernizing the grid, expanding capacity, and preparing TCN to meet the energy needs of a growing economy.

“The confidence shown by these partners in TCN’s ability to deliver is both humbling and motivating.

“These achievements are a testament to the passion, expertise, and collaboration you bring to TCN every day. Our most valuable asset is our people, and your hard work has been the cornerstone of our success.

“Together, we have been able to preserve the integrity of the this, I salute every member of the TCN family. Your dedication, professionalism and hard work are the true engine of our progress.”

Abdulaziz, however noted that, “Granted, vandalism continues to be a thorny issue in the affairs of TCN. From January to November 2025 alone, the company recorded 131 vandalism incidents across its network.

“Management is however working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), other security operatives, and vigilante groups in some communities to curb this menace.

“We will continue to intensify sensitization campaigns and community engagement efforts to curb this trend and safeguard our critical infrastructure.

“Within the TCN family, Management has also continued to work closely with our unions in the best interest of staff and organizational harmony.

“We appreciate the constructive collaboration with the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), whose cooperation has helped sustain industrial peace throughout the year.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we must endeavour to build on this years’
accomplishments, with focus on accelerating project implementation, modernizing transmission infrastructure, prompt maintenance, and deepening stakeholder engagement.

“As TCN deepens its collaboration with NISO, I urge all staff to embrace this partnership, together with NISO and other sector players, we must
stay focused on the larger goal of advancing the Nigerian Electricity
Supply Industry and powering our nation’s growth.

“At this moment of reflection and celebration. I give thanks to God
Almighty for seeing us through another year. I also express deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, our donor and financial partners, security agencies, and colleagues across the power sector for their steadfast support.

“To the families of our colleagues who
passed away in 2025, we extend our prayers and solidarity, their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”