The Nigerian Electricity Transmission Company, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, conducted an awareness program targeting project-affected people on the proposed rehabilitation and upgrading of the Alaoji-Onitsha 330kV single-circuit transmission line.
According to a statement by TCN on Saturday, the sensitization exercise, which took place from January 6 to 8, 2026, targeted 12 local government areas along the transmission line corridor spanning Abia, Imo and Anambra states.
Speaking during the program, Project Manager Mr. Omobola Sobo explained that the AfDB-funded project involves upgrading the existing Alaoji-Onitsha transmission line to a quad circuit configuration using advanced quad conductors. He said the upgrade will more than double the capacity of the transmission line, improving the reliability of power supply and meeting growing consumer demand.
She said the reconstruction is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the national power grid and strengthen regional power transmission infrastructure.
Also, the Assistant General Manager (HSE), Alome Ador, emphasized that the awareness campaign is an important step ahead of the planned payment of compensation to those affected by the project and securing the right of way for the safe implementation of the reconstruction project.
He stressed that this process was necessary to ensure public safety within the power line corridor during construction activities. Ador further assured that after completion of the final verification process, all affected property owners will receive appropriate compensation in line with approved guidelines.
To ensure smooth implementation of the project, TCN said it will work with PGM Nigeria Limited, the resettlement action plan implementation consultant, to implement the resettlement action plan for the project-affected people and facilitate the clearing of the power line right-of-way under an AfDB-funded initiative. While the estimated cost is N800m, another N800m has been proposed for the procurement and installation of the airfield lighting system at Ilorin Airport.
The government will also undertake end-of-life rehabilitation and expansion projects. This includes the renovation of the terminal building at Katsina Airport, 175 meters north, the renovation and upgrading of the terminal building and parking lot at Calabar Airport, 200 meters north, and the expansion of the apron at Maiduguri Airport, 800 meters north. The apron expansion of the General Aviation Terminal at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport is expected to cost N1 billion.
Perimeter security is also a major focus of the budget. 350 meters has been earmarked for the construction of perimeter fencing and access road for the Ajaka/Okuta airstrip in Kogi State, 325 meters has been earmarked for the perimeter fence of Ilorin Airport, and 200 meters has been earmarked for the construction of Maiduguri Airport fence and helicopter park.
The document also mentions N50 meters for the perimeter fence of Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, in addition to the N350 meters allocated for the construction of the perimeter road of Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport.
In addition to major airports, the federal government plans to rehabilitate several runways across the country. These include the upgrade of Hadezia airstrip in Jigawa state 560 meters north, the USD 2 billion upgrade of Osubi airfield in Delta state, and the upgrade of Ibru Edo and Uri Okija airstrips in Edo and Anambra states (each allocated 70 meters north).
The development of Abeokuta and Umuahia airstrips is also included in the budget, with N35 meters and N800 meters allocated respectively.
Additionally, the document indicates that 5 billion naira has been allocated for safety and security critical projects and airport certification across the country, while 400 million naira has been earmarked for monitoring and evaluation of aviation capital projects.
Certification of Lagos and Abuja airports will cost 400m while 350m will be voted for the upgrade of instrument landing systems from Category I to Category II/III at major airports.
The budget also includes provisions for improvements to power supply and passenger facilities at major airports. These include N500m for water-cooled chillers at Lagos and Abuja airports, N100m for an airport power improvement project using solar power and gas turbines, N500m for a passenger boarding bridge at Lagos airport, and N700m for a new baggage handling system at the same airports.
Other allocations include N21 million for the construction of a sewage treatment facility at Owerri Airport, N1.4 million for the construction of rescue and firefighting facilities at Calabar Airport, and N5.7 million for the construction of a health clinic at the main airport for the benefit of staff and passengers.
These projects are marked as ongoing, indicating that the allocation is part of a broader multi-year plan to overhaul airport infrastructure, improve safety standards and improve the passenger experience nationwide.
