Edo Moves to End Power Woes as TCN Blames Vandalism, Encroachment

"TCN remains the critical link… responsible for transmitting bulk electricity from generation companies (GenCos) to distribution companies (DisCos) load centres nationwide.” Engr. Iwuamadi, GM Benin Region TCN.

The Edo State Government has intensified efforts to tackle the state’s persistent electricity challenges, convening a high-level stakeholders’ engagement that brought key players in the power sector to the table.

The meeting, organised by the Edo State Ministry of Power, was held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Government House, Benin City, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi
General Manager, Benin Region TCN

At the forum, the General Manager, Benin Region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, reiterated the company’s central role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain, noting that it remains “the critical link… responsible for transmitting bulk electricity from generation companies (GenCos) to distribution companies (DisCos) load centres nationwide.”

He observed that despite longstanding challenges in the power sector, with national generation fluctuating between 4,500MW and 5,000MW over the past two decades, transmission capacity has continued to improve both in Edo State and across the country.

Highlighting ongoing interventions, Iwuamadi pointed to key infrastructure projects in the Benin axis, including the newly commissioned Ihovbor-Ajaokuta Transmission Line 1, which facilitates power evacuation from Benin to Ajaokuta and onward to Abuja. He also referenced the turn-in-turn-out project at the Irrua Transmission Substation, which is expected to significantly enhance bulk power transmission upon completion.

According to him, TCN’s network in the region operates on an “N-1 contingency arrangement,” ensuring continuity of supply by providing alternative transmission lines in the event of faults. He added that the Benin axis enjoys a strategic advantage due to its proximity to major generation sources such as the Azura Power Plant, enabling relatively quick restoration of bulk supply when disruptions occur.

However, the TCN boss raised serious concerns over the impact of vandalism and encroachment on transmission infrastructure, warning that these activities are undermining ongoing capacity expansion efforts.

He called for stronger collaboration with the state government and host communities to safeguard critical assets, stressing the need to clear encroachments along transmission corridors.

“Compensation was paid prior to the installation of the transmission towers and lines,” he noted, expressing concern over repeated damage that often leads to costly repairs and prolonged outages.

While acknowledging that some offenders have been apprehended by security agencies, including the DSS and NSCDC, Iwuamadi insisted that more decisive action is required to curb the menace.

On operational efficiency, he disclosed that TCN maintains a strict preventive maintenance regime to ensure optimal equipment performance and urged distribution companies to adopt similar standards to strengthen their networks.

Also speaking, the Assistant General Manager (System Operations), Benin Region, Engr. Patrick Amos, clarified TCN’s role in the electricity supply chain, stating that while the company evacuates all generated power and delivers it to distribution load centres, “the management of supply to end users falls outside their mandate.”

The engagement drew participation from major stakeholders, including the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Azura Power, GTL Power Ltd, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), as well as civil society and community groups.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Edo State Government to foster collaboration and find lasting solutions to the state’s electricity supply challenges.