TCN Rewrites Nigeria’s Power Narrative: Historic Unbundling and Record Generation Marks in 2025
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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has closed the year 2025 on a historic note, signaling a new era for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). In a landmark end-of-year address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, revealed that the company has successfully navigated a transformative unbundling process while shattering previous records for national power transmission.
A Historic Structural Shift
The defining moment of the year was the strategic unbundling of the company, which saw the successful take-off of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). This reform marks a departure from the old “dual mandate” model, allowing for a more specialized and efficient power sector.
“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),” Engr. Abdulaziz stated. He characterized the move as “a transition that reflects maturity in our sector and a bold step toward building the kind of electricity supply industry Nigeria deserves.”
Under the new structure, TCN has pivoted its entire focus toward the “infrastructural development, maintenance, expanding and strengthening of the transmission network,” while NISO has assumed the mantle of “general administration of the System and Market operations.”
Shattering Records: 5,801MW Peak
The structural changes coincided with unprecedented operational successes. TCN reported that the nation’s wheeling capability has expanded to 8,700MW, a capacity boost aimed at keeping pace with Nigeria’s growing economic demands.
The pinnacle of this progress occurred on March 4, 2025, a day that now sits in the record books for the Nigerian power sector. On that date, TCN successfully transmitted an all-time peak generation of 5,801.84MW, with a maximum daily energy delivery of 128,370.75MWh.
“These accomplishments speak to TCN’s determination to keep improving the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector,” Abdulaziz noted, highlighting that between January 2024 and November 2025, the company commissioned 82 new power transformers, adding a staggering 8,500MVA to the national grid.
Global Partnerships and Infrastructure Growth
The MD further disclosed that TCN has advanced critical projects valued at over $1.16 billion, funded by international development partners. A flagship of these efforts is the “Abuja Feeding Scheme,” which involves the construction of five new substations and a massive 330kV transmission line to stabilize power in the nation’s capital.
“The confidence shown by these partners in TCN’s ability to deliver is both humbling and motivating,” the MD remarked, adding that these investments are vital for “modernizing the grid” and “preparing TCN to meet the energy needs of a growing economy.”
The Battle Against Vandalism
Despite the technological and structural triumphs, the year was not without its shadows. The persistent threat of infrastructure sabotage remains a significant hurdle. Abdulaziz revealed that between January and November 2025, the company recorded 131 vandalism incidents across its network.
To combat this, TCN is working in close coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and local vigilante groups. “We will continue to intensify sensitization campaigns and community engagement efforts to curb this trend and safeguard our critical infrastructure,” he pledged.
Looking Toward 2026
As the company transitions into the new year, the focus remains on “accelerating project implementation” and “deepening stakeholder engagement.”
In his closing remarks, Engr. Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to the Presidency, the Minister of Power, and the dedicated staff of TCN. “As we look to the New Year, we cannot afford to rest on our oars,” he said. “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.”
