By Paul Joseph
Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has committed about ₦20 billion to support the expansion and rehabilitation of Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
JICA Chief Representative, Ishigame Keiji, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday, saying the ¥2.35 billion commitment would finance the expansion of the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos.
According to Keiji, the project is aimed at strengthening critical transmission infrastructure in Lagos, where rising electricity demand and ageing facilities continue to pose challenges to reliable power supply.
The intervention will cover construction works, equipment procurement, engineering services, operational training and other forms of implementation support.
Keiji said the rehabilitation and reinforcement of the Apapa substation would increase transmission capacity, improve operational reliability and strengthen grid stability while reducing bottlenecks affecting electricity evacuation and distribution in Lagos and surrounding areas.
He disclosed that JICA is also implementing another concessional-loan project designed to improve the transmission network along the Lagos-Ogun axis.
As part of its broader intervention in Nigeria’s power sector, Japan will provide technical assistance and policy advisers to the Federal Ministry of Power to support institutional reforms and sector development.
Keiji noted that Nigeria’s large market continues to attract Japanese companies and other private investors seeking opportunities in the power sector.
He urged the Federal Government and private investors to adopt a balanced mix of on-grid, off-grid and mini-grid solutions to expand electricity access across the country.
According to him, JICA is collaborating with the World Bank to promote mini-grid development, particularly in rural communities that remain underserved by the national grid.
The agency is also deploying technical experts to work with the Ministry of Power on policy recommendations and institutional reforms aimed at building a more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Japanese intervention is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network and support ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply across the country.
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