The completion of the 624-megawatt Abuja Feeding Scheme, aimed at significantly improving electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory, continues to face delays due to persistent right-of-way challenges, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

The donor-funded project is currently about 91 per cent complete and is expected to alleviate power shortages in Abuja and neighbouring areas once fully operational.

The scheme includes five substations situated at Dawaki, Lugbe, Kuje, Wumba, and Apo, along with associated 132kV transmission lines connecting these facilities.

TCN’s Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider, Engr. Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, made these observations after inspecting the project on Thursday. He identified the main obstacles as occurring along the transmission line routes, especially around the Wumba axis, and urged immediate government intervention.

“We are not where we expected to be because of the constraints we are facing, especially on the right-of-way along the transmission routes,” Ajiboye said. “We are working round the clock to resolve these issues so the project can be completed.”

He revealed that two of the substations have already been completed and are ready for energisation, but delays at key sections have stopped the extension of power to other areas.

“Except for the areas affected by these challenges, the substations are ready. Once supply gets to this point, Wumba, which is very close, will be energised, and Kuje will also receive power immediately the issues are resolved,” he said.

Ajiboye expressed regret over resistance from some individuals occupying approved transmission corridors, pointing out that some of the obstructing parties hold significant influence.

“It is unfortunate that some Nigerians do not see this project as beneficial to everyone. There are people insisting that transmission lines must not pass through approved routes, and some of them are very powerful,” he said.

He called on relevant government authorities to step in and engage the affected parties to secure access to the routes, describing right-of-way disputes as the single biggest challenge delaying the project.

The project consultant, Engr. Anthony Uuajamah, provided technical details during the inspection. He stated that the Kuje substation (Lot 5A) is a 3x60MVA facility equipped with nine outgoing feeders.

He further explained that the Wumba substation (Lot 5B) has a 2x60MVA capacity.

Uuajamah added that the overall project encompasses multiple substation and transmission line extensions, featuring a total of about thirteen 60MVA transformers, which together provide an approximate capacity of 624 megawatts.