The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced the second phase of compensation for Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line project.
The project is under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Programme.
Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said that the compensation was conducted from May 12 to May 13.
She said that the exercise covered Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Abia and Imo, with the official inauguration held in Imo.
According to her, the project entails the upgrade of the existing 138-kilometre, 330 Kilo Volt (kV) Single Circuit transmission line to a 330kV Double Circuit Quad Conductor configuration spanning Alaoji to Onitsha.
The statement quoted the Managing Director of TCN, Mr Sule Abdulaziz, as commending President Bola Tinubu on his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the project and the timely compensation of affected persons.
Abdulaziz was represented by Omobola Odusoga-Bola, the General Manager and Project Manager AfDB, and Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project Phase One (NTEP-1),
He explained that the current phase centres on compensating persons whose crops fall within the transmission line corridor, following an earlier phase in which individuals whose structures were impacted received compensation.
He said that TCN was implementing a Livelihood Restoration Programme targeting petty traders operating along the existing right of way.
Abdulaziz said that 210 small business owners had been identified within the TCN corridor.
He said that 64 beneficiaries drawn from 32 communities would receive practical vocational training and start-up support across a range of trades.
According to him, the trades include fashion and tailoring, cobbling and shoe making, catering and food processing, and ICT.
Others, he said, are digital skills, auto mechanics, electrical installations, and other artisanal disciplines relevant to local economic development.
Also speaking, Mr Bassey Uzodinma Project Consultant and Managing Director of PGM Nigeria Limited, described TCN’s approach as evidence of its commitment to responsible project implementation and meaningful community engagement.
He urged community leaders to safeguard the interests of beneficiaries, ensure close oversight of the programme, and work to maximise its long-term impact on the affected communities.
