By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that right-of-way (RoW) challenges are hampering the completion of the 624 Megawatts Abuja Feeding Scheme.

The donor-funded project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply to the nation’s capital upon completion.

The scheme comprises five substations located at Dawaki, Lugbe, Kuje, Wumba and Apo, as well as associated 132kV transmission lines.

Speaking after an inspection of the project on Thursday, the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider at TCN, Engr. Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, called for urgent government intervention to resolve the RoW issues, noting that the obstacles involve influential individuals.

Ajiboye explained that the project is about 91 per cent completed and has sufficient capacity to meet the power demand of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, “The general assessment is that we are not where we expected to be because of the constraints we are facing, especially along the transmission line routes. We are working round the clock to ensure that the routes are freed so we can achieve completion.

“In other locations we visited, except here, two of the substations have been completed and are ready for energisation. However, due to the delays here, particularly at Wumba, we cannot extend supply. Once supply reaches this point, Wumba, which is very close, will also be energised. Similarly, Kuje will receive supply immediately the issues here are resolved.

“Based on this, we are concentrating efforts on clearing the right-of-way constraints because other substations downstream depend on it.”

On the RoW challenges, he said: “It is unfortunate that some Nigerians do not see this project as beneficial to everyone. Many people are determined that the transmission lines will not pass through the approved routes, and some of these individuals are very powerful.

“We appeal to government authorities to help engage them so that we can access these routes and deliver power supply. This right-of-way issue remains our major challenge.”

Also speaking, the project consultant, Engr. Anthony Uuajamah, explained that the Kuje substation, designated as Lot 5A, is a 3x60MVA substation with nine outgoing feeders.

“We also have a 2x60MVA substation at Wumba, which is Lot 5B. Lot 3 comprises three sections—3A, 3B and 3C. Lot 3A is the old Apo substation with a 3x132MVA bay extension, while there is also a 2x330kV bay extension in Lafia, where the supply originates.

“In total, the project has about thirteen 60MVA transformers across the central section of the Abuja Feeding Scheme. This translates to an estimated capacity of about 624 megawatts of power,” he added.