Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to unblock critical infrastructure bottlenecks, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has facilitated the release of 98 stranded containers of electricity transmission equipment to bolster the national grid.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, announced the equipment’s clearance on Friday, 6 November 2026, at a flag-off exercise for the consignment’s release in Apapa. The first 48 containers were released from the ENL Terminal, while another 50 containers were cleared at Tincan and other ports. The CGC stated that the Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens Energy has been revived to expand transmission capacity across the country. He noted that the current administration has moved to settle verified legacy debts in the sector, close the metering gap, and extend off-grid power to remote communities, universities, markets, and hospitals.
“Over the years, equipment imported for critical power projects remained uncleared at our ports in some cases, for between 14 and 20 years. These consignments include high-capacity transformers, cables, switchgear, and other transmission equipment imported through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria. Following a presentation by the Honourable Minister of Power at the Federal Executive Council, Mr President directed the immediate clearance of the equipment. He also directed the relevant agencies to resolve all outstanding charges and administrative bottlenecks without delay,” he said.
Earlier, the Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the release of 98 of over 300 containers is a significant first step that shows ongoing efforts to secure the out-of-port movement of the remaining cargo.
“I want to specially commend and express our appreciation to the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for their cooperation. Your support has been exceptional, and Mr President recognises your collaboration in ensuring this administration delivers reliable electricity service to every Nigerian,” he said.
Tegbe said certified engineers assessed the equipment’s condition and that they will complete any required refurbishments before deployment. He added that every serviceable material will be matched to its intended project and current network requirements, with priority given to completing stalled installations, relieving overloaded substations, and strengthening constrained transmission corridors.
The Minister of Power described the engagement as a disciplined approach to solving the power sector’s challenges through grid stability, strategic reforms, visible incremental improvements, and honest communication with Nigerians.
Stakeholders at the event, including terminal operators, shipping companies, and the management and technical teams of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, said they are ready to facilitate the seamless movement of the designated containers to their destination sites to deliver reliable electricity to all Nigerians.