The Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 131 cases of infrastructure vandalism across its network in 2025, even as it achieved a historic milestone in electricity transmission, the company has said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, disclosed this in his end-of-year message to staff, partners, and stakeholders, in which he described 2025 as a “remarkable and historic year” for the company and Nigeria’s electricity industry.

Despite the challenges posed by vandalism and other operational constraints, Abdulaziz announced that TCN recorded an all-time peak electricity transmission of 5,801.84 megawatts on March 4, 2025. The achievement was accompanied by a maximum daily energy delivery of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours nationwide, the highest ever recorded on Nigeria’s national grid.

According to him, the milestone was driven by deliberate investments in infrastructure rehabilitation, expansion of transformer capacity, and sustained maintenance of transmission assets.

“Dear colleagues, valued partners, and stakeholders, as we come to the end of another challenging and remarkable year at TCN, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the incredible dedication and resilience you have all shown,” Abdulaziz said.

“No doubt, this year has presented its unique set of challenges, from evolving regulatory landscapes to the persistent issues of infrastructure vandalisation and liquidity constraints that affect our operations. Yet, it is in overcoming these obstacles that the true strength of our team shines through.

“This year, we made deliberate strides to strengthen our infrastructure, rehabilitate ageing assets, and expand transformer capacity across the country. With these efforts, TCN’s wheeling capability has grown to 8,700MW, ensuring that we are better prepared to support the nation’s increasing demand for electricity.

“A highlight of our progress came on March 4, 2025, when TCN transmitted an all-time peak generation of 5,801.84MW with a maximum daily energy of 128,370.75MWh delivered nationwide; the highest ever recorded in the country’s history,” he added.

Between January 2024 and November 2025, Abdulaziz said TCN commissioned 82 new power transformers, adding more than 8,500 megavolt-amperes to the national grid in a bid to boost reliability and capacity.

However, he lamented that vandalism remains a major threat to grid stability, noting that the company recorded 131 vandalism incidents across its network between January and November 2025.

“From January to November 2025 alone, the company recorded 131 vandalism incidents across its network. Management is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, security agencies, and community vigilante groups to curb this menace,” he said, adding that TCN would continue sensitisation campaigns and community engagement to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Abdulaziz also highlighted key sector reforms recorded in 2025, including the unbundling of TCN and the successful launch of the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

He further disclosed that donor-funded projects valued at over $1.16bn were advanced during the year, including the Abuja Feeding Scheme, which involves the construction of five new substations and a new 330kV transmission line.

“TCN also advanced several critical projects funded by our development partners valued at over $1.16bn. This partnership has resulted in projects such as the Abuja Feeding Scheme, which includes the construction of five new substations and a new 330kV transmission line. Some of these projects are already completed, while others are ongoing, aimed at modernising the grid, expanding capacity, and preparing TCN to meet the energy needs of a growing economy,” he said.

The TCN boss commended staff for their dedication, describing them as the company’s “greatest asset,” and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, security agencies, development partners and other sector stakeholders for their support. He also expressed condolences to the families of staff who lost their lives in 2025.

Looking ahead to 2026, Abdulaziz said TCN would intensify efforts to increase grid capacity, stability, and efficiency, while deepening collaboration with NISO and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we must endeavour to build on this year’s accomplishments, with focus on accelerating project implementation, modernising transmission infrastructure, prompt maintenance, and deepening stakeholder engagement,” he said.

“As we look to the new year, we cannot afford to rest on our oars. 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,” he concluded.

Established to ensure reliable electricity transmission across Nigeria, TCN remains the backbone of the nation’s power sector. The record peak achieved in 2025 reflects growing stability, expanded capacity, and stronger collaboration with sector stakeholders, despite persistent challenges such as vandalism and infrastructure deficits.