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By Agatha Chitumu
Abuja

The Nigerian government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has collaborated on the implementation of transmission expansion programme.

The project is aimed at expanding the power transmission network to support the rapidly expanding industries in Lagos and Ogun States.

In a press release from the office of the Deputy Director Press, Odutayo Oluseyi quoted the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D Aliyu as expressing delight over the development.

While receiving the JICA delegation in his office, Monday, 7th Feburary,2022, the Minister described the cooperation as capable of improving infrastructural development in the electricity supply industry in Nigeria.

Transmission according to him is a major stake of government which is targeted at raising operational capacity to an appreciable level particularly at areas where industries are rapidly expanding.

“Consultancy services for line route studies, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental social management plan for the proposed JICA transmission projects in Lagos and Ogun states has been completed,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Nigeria office and team lead, Sasaki Taigo, said their mission was to confirm the content of loan agreement and project memorandum of the Lagos and Ogun power transmission system improvement project with relevant Ministries and implementation Agencies among others.

He stated further that meetings with relevant authorities will commence with the aim of having the loan agreement signed in March, 2022.

The Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme to be carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria through a loan of $200million to be obtained from the Japan International Cooperation Agency is to provide about 203KM high voltage transmission lines and 6 high voltage substations which cover 5 LGAs in Ogun State and 1 LGAs in Lagos State with appropriately 200 communities affected.

The counterpart funding for compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAP), Consultancy services for line route studies, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental social management plan for the proposed JICA transmission projects in Lagos and Ogun states is reflected in the 2021/ 2022 appropriation of the Ministry.