TCN compensates 700 landowners in Abia
Federal Government, through Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has begun payment of compensation to about 700 land and property owners in Aba, Abia State, affected by expansion of the 138km
- From Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia
Federal Government, through Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has begun payment of compensation to about 700 land and property owners in Aba, Abia State, affected by expansion of the 138km Aba–Onitsha transmission line.
The exercise, which covers affected persons on Osisioma axis, is part of efforts to boost power supply in Southeast.
The project, funded under African Development Bank (AfDB) Transmission Expansion Programme, was stalled in 2019 due to lack of counterpart funding.
Stakeholders lauded President Bola Tinubu for releasing funds that enabled take-off of the compensation phase.
Acting Project Manager of AfDB Project Implementation Unit, Edeh Obiora, said the exercise fulfils obligations to project-affected persons.
“The essence of this gathering is the payment of compensation to those affected. This transmission line runs from Alaoji through Aba to Onitsha, covering 138km,” he said.
He said compensation applies to properties within a 25-metre right-of-way on both sides of the transmission line.
“Whoever is affected within this corridor will be compensated. That is what we are doing under Component III of the project,” Obiora added.
He noted that payments, from about N200,000 to millions depending on property value, only began following release of counterpart funding by Federal Government.
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“Before now, nobody was paid. The compensation started because Federal Government… released funds for this project,” he said.
Obiora added once compensation is paid, affected structures would be demolished and the land gazetted to TCN, while those captured during enumeration are eligible.
Assistant General Manager (Health and Safety), Arome Adole, addressed complaints about alleged under-valuation, saying a grievance mechanism had been established.
“We have a grievance redress panel to review complaints. If claim of under-valuation is genuine, it will be corrected,” he said.
He added compensation reflects updated valuations, noting revalidation was carried out in line with AfDB policy due to inflation.
“What property owners are receiving is higher than what was initially assessed,” he said.
Beyond compensation, he disclosed that the government would provide relocation support and livelihood restoration for affected persons.
Beneficiaries are expected to vacate their properties within 90 days of payment, while the project is scheduled for completion by August 2027.
