The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released 98 containers of electricity transmission equipment that had been stranded at Nigerian ports for up to two decades, a development expected to strengthen the national grid and improve power supply across the country.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in Lagos, noting that 44 containers were cleared from the ENL Terminal, while 54 others were released from APMT and Sun & Moon Terminals.
According to the minister, the cleared cargo forms part of more than 300 containers of transmission equipment that have remained trapped at the ports over the years.
The equipment includes high-capacity transformers, cables and switchgear originally procured to expand the transmission network, ease pressure on overloaded substations and enhance electricity distribution nationwide.
Tegbe explained that the prolonged detention of the equipment delayed critical power projects, exposed valuable assets to deterioration and attracted significant storage and administrative charges.
“The equipment was procured to expand the transmission network and relieve overloaded substations. Its detention stalled projects, kept existing substations under heavy strain, exposed valuable assets to deterioration and accumulated charges on the cargoes,” he said.
He added that the delay had contributed to the challenges faced by businesses, households and public institutions that continue to contend with unreliable electricity supply.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the release followed a presidential directive aimed at removing administrative bottlenecks and ensuring the immediate clearance of the long-delayed cargo.
Adeniyi noted that the NCS is working closely with the Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Ports Authority and terminal operators to facilitate the process.
“The release follows the President’s directive for immediate clearance and for agencies to resolve outstanding charges and administrative bottlenecks without delay,” he stated.
He also pledged the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all remaining containers are cleared and appealed to terminal operators to support the national effort.
Meanwhile, Tegbe revealed that preliminary inspections showed that most of the recovered equipment remains functional despite years in storage.
He said the items would be evacuated, tested and refurbished where necessary before deployment to project locations across the country.
“When evacuated, it will be verified, tested and refurbished where necessary, then deployed to project sites to complete stalled installations, relieve overloaded substations and strengthen constrained transmission corridors,” the minister said.
The release of the equipment is expected to accelerate transmission projects, reduce pressure on existing infrastructure and contribute to efforts to improve the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.
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