Nwifuru Blames TCN for Frustrating Ebonyi’s Industrialisation

Ebonyi state governor,Francis Nwifuru

Nwifuru Blames TCN for Frustrating Ebonyi’s Industrialisation

By Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has accused the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) of frustrating his administration’s efforts to industrialise the state through the development of a dedicated energy grid.
The governor alleged that undue delays by TCN particularly in conducting approval and feasibility studies have stalled the commencement of critical power projects, despite agreements reached with relevant parties and substantial payments already made.
Nwifuru spoke at length during the 2025 State Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday at Centennial City, Abakaliki, where he expressed frustration over what he described as unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He disclosed that about 90 per cent of the cost of the Amasiri transmission line project has already been paid to the contractor, yet work has not progressed as expected.
According to the governor, electricity remains the major obstacle to the state’s industrial development.
“The problem I am facing in industrialising our dear state till now is electricity, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria is compounding the problem,”
“I contacted TCN to build a 300 KVA transmission line, and they told me the bitter truth—that we cannot wait for the Federal Government to do it. We therefore decided to embark on the project with TCN.”Nwifuru said.
He lamented that, despite this decision, the feasibility study for the project has dragged on for over a year.
“Since last year, the feasibility study is still ongoing. And who is doing the feasibility study? TCN. This is something a private firm can complete within two or three weeks,” he said.
The governor further expressed dismay over the slow pace of work on the Amasiri power transmission line, a project originally awarded during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“About two years ago, they said they needed over one billion, seven hundred million naira, which the state paid. We entered into a contract, and till today the job is still not completed,” he stated.
Nwifuru explained that the delay has forced his administration to suspend plans to establish industries in the state.
“That is the politics behind why I have not built any industries in the state. Industries need electricity to function, and what is currently allocated to Ebonyi State is not enough to power them,”
“This is the challenge, and both TCN and the contractor are contributing to the problem, despite our willingness to fund the projects.”he said.
He also accused the contractors of offering what he described as “silly excuses,” including frequent foreign trips, whenever they were pressed for explanations.
“The last discussion I had with TCN, they said there were unpaid compensations. I told them I was ready to pay. I asked them to show us the buildings or persons to be compensated, but up till now, they have not shown us anyone,” the governor added.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Government has inaugurated an economic team tasked with exploring options for establishing another cement factory or reclaiming the moribund Nigercem Cement Factory in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area.
The government is considering taking back the facility from its core investor, the Ibeto Group of Companies, as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial growth in the state.