The Bola Tinubu-led administration has secured a $238 million loan facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen Nigeria’s national power grid.
The agreement was reached during engagements at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, where the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented Nigeria.
Concrete Results, Not Diplomacy
In a statement issued on Friday, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9 was focused on outcomes rather than symbolism.
“Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9 was not about trade exhibitions, but about forging strategic, outcome-driven partnerships that would deliver tangible results for the Nigerian people.
We are deliberately shifting from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” Tinubu said.
Details of the Project
The $238 million JICA loan, supported by Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19.08 billion, will finance a major expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The project scope includes:
102.95km of new 330kV double circuit transmission lines
104.59km of 132kV double circuit transmission lines
Four 330/132/33kV substations
Two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions
These upgrades aim to enhance grid efficiency, expand transmission capacity, and reduce system losses.
Strategic Partnerships
Minister Adelabu described the loan as a game-changer, noting that engagements with Japanese power firms such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation were crucial to unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses. This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu stated.
He also praised Japan’s consistent role in supporting Nigeria’s energy sector.
“JICA has proven to be a reliable partner in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. Their contributions across infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing continue to play a vital role in strengthening our power sector,” he said.
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