Strengthening the 330 kV Nigeria–Benin Interconnection: A WAPP Project Recognized Internationally

The project to reinforce the 330 kV Nigeria–Benin interconnection has been named a winner at the 2025 Grands Prix du Génie-conseil québécois, during the 23rd edition held under the theme ENGINEERING+CONSULTING: At the Crossroads of Expertise. This prestigious award, granted in the “International” category, highlights both the technical excellence of the project and the outstanding quality of collaboration between the West African Power Pool (WAPP), WSP Canada, the Communauté Électrique du Bénin (CEB), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and all stakeholders involved in the routing studies as well as the environmental and social assessment.

Listed as a priority project in the ECOWAS Master Plan 2019–2033 for the development of regional electricity generation and transmission infrastructure adopted on 22 December 2018 the interconnection aims to respond to the region’s growing energy needs while strengthening regional integration.

It pursues three strategic objectives:

• Increasing electricity exchange capacity between Nigeria, Benin/Togo, and neighboring countries.
• Strengthening the stability of the WAPP transmission network.
• Improving energy supply and the quality of electricity delivery for populations and industries in both countries.

The project includes the construction of a double-circuit 330 kV transmission line approximately 130 km long, connecting Nigeria to Benin. Beyond its strategic relevance for energy integration, it also features an electrification component covering 178 communities located along the route in both countries. This initiative will directly contribute to improving living conditions, fostering local economic development, and reducing disparities in access to electricity.

Following the technical, environmental and social studies now recognized with this Canadian award the project is advancing toward its implementation phase. Financing mobilization is currently underway, supported by regional and international partners in the energy sector.