FG to Demolish 355 Buildings in Anambra to Pave Way for Alaoji-Onitsha Powerline Expansion
As part of a nationwide push to stabilize the national grid in 2026, the Federal Government has announced the imminent demolition of 355 buildings across various communities in Anambra State. The move is required to clear the Right-of-Way (RoW) for the critical Alaoji-Onitsha 330kV Double Circuit Transmission Line project.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the affected structures are those currently encroaching on the high-tension powerline corridor, posing a significant risk to public safety and stalling the completion of the energy project.
The "Clearance for Power" Directive
The Alaoji-Onitsha line is a strategic energy artery designed to boost power supply to the industrial hubs of the South-East. However, years of illegal encroachment on the powerline buffer zones have made technical upgrades impossible.
During a stakeholder engagement in Awka, TCN officials emphasized that the demolition is a "necessary sacrifice" for the region's industrialization. The 2026 project phase aims to increase the transmission capacity of the Onitsha substation by over 40%, directly benefiting manufacturing clusters in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ihiala.
Compensation and Enumeration
To mitigate the impact on residents, the Federal Government has concluded a multi-stage enumeration process. Key highlights of the resettlement plan include:
Verified Claimants: Only property owners with verified titles who were caught in the official survey will be eligible for compensation.
Safety Buffer: TCN reminded the public that the standard Right-of-Way for a 330kV line is 50 meters (25 meters on each side from the center).
Demolition Timeline: Residents in the affected corridors have been issued a final vacation notice, with enforcement expected to begin following the disbursement of the 2026 first-quarter compensation tranches.
[Image showing a map of the Alaoji-Onitsha 330kV transmission route and TCN officials marking buildings for demolition in Anambra]
Impact on the Anambra Housing Market
For real estate investors and homeowners in Anambra, this development underscores the importance of verifying Right-of-Way clearances before land purchase.
Market Shift: We expect a temporary dip in property values within 100 meters of the transmission corridor as enforcement begins.
Urban Renewal: Conversely, the improved power supply is projected to increase the value of industrial and commercial real estate in the Onitsha-Nnewi axis by late 2026.
