Japan Pledges N20bn to Upgrade Nigeria’s National Grid, Apapa Transmission Substation

• Japan, through JICA, has committed N20bn to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission network, with the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos among the major beneficiaries.

• The 2.35 billion yen funding will cover construction, equipment procurement, engineering services, operational training and other project implementation activities.

• JICA is also supporting transmission upgrades across Lagos and Ogun, mini-grid development and power-sector reforms aimed at improving electricity reliability.

August 20, () — The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has committed N20 billion to support the expansion and rehabilitation of Nigeria’s national electricity grid, with the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos among the key beneficiaries.

JICA Chief Representative in Nigeria, Ishigame Keiji, disclosed the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said the 2.35 billion Japanese yen funding would support construction, equipment procurement, engineering services, operational training and other activities required to implement the project.

Apapa Substation Gets Capacity Boost

Keiji said the intervention was designed to strengthen critical transmission infrastructure in Lagos, where rising electricity demand and ageing facilities have placed additional pressure on the power system.

According to him, rehabilitation work at the Apapa substation has increased transmission capacity, improved reliability and reduced bottlenecks affecting electricity evacuation and distribution across Lagos and surrounding areas.

The substation is strategically important to Lagos, one of Nigeria’s largest electricity-demand centres, making improvements to its transmission capacity critical to supporting businesses and households.

Keiji said Japan remained committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen infrastructure needed to support a more stable electricity supply.

“The Government of Japan, through JICA, is collaborating with the Ministry of Power to enhance stable and reliable power supply in Nigeria,” he said.

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Japan Backs Wider Power Reforms

Beyond the Apapa project, Keiji said JICA was implementing another official development assistance project through a concessional loan to improve the transmission network covering Lagos and Ogun states.

The agency will also provide technical assistance and policy advisers to the Federal Ministry of Power to support reforms and strengthen institutional capacity in the sector.

Keiji said Japanese companies and other private investors remained interested in Nigeria because of its large market, but noted that stronger government support and greater private-sector participation would be required to unlock investment in the electricity industry.

He also urged Nigeria to adopt a combination of on-grid, off-grid and mini-grid systems rather than relying solely on the national grid to meet electricity needs.

According to him, JICA is collaborating with the World Bank on the development of mini-grids, particularly for rural communities that remain underserved by the national grid.

The agency is also deploying experts to work with the Ministry of Power on policy recommendations and institutional improvements.

The latest Japanese commitment adds to efforts to address weaknesses in Nigeria’s transmission network, which remains a major constraint to reliable electricity supply despite investments in generation capacity.

The projects are expected to improve transmission capacity, reduce bottlenecks and strengthen the reliability of electricity supply in Lagos, Ogun and other areas covered by the wider intervention.