The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that the blackout affecting parts of Northern Nigeria is expected to continue due to security challenges that are obstructing repairs on vital transmission lines.
Despite attempts to restore power using alternative methods, TCN indicated that a complete resolution of the situation is unlikely in the near future.
The current power outage has persisted for over four days, initially triggered by the vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which previously supplied substantial electricity to northern states. In an effort to alleviate the situation, TCN rerouted electricity through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line. However, a tripping incident on this alternative line has further aggravated the power supply crisis.
Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, provided insights during a public hearing hosted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). She clarified that repairs to the Ugwuaji-Apir line would yield only limited relief. Although this line has the capacity to transmit up to 750 megawatts (MW) of power, it can safely supply only 350 MW to Kano, Kaduna, and parts of Niger Republic due to voltage stability concerns in Kano.
The larger Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which offers a higher power output, remains offline because of insecurity in the area where it was damaged. Engr. Nafisatu mentioned that the TCN had received security assessments from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), indicating that the region where three towers were destroyed is currently inaccessible due to ongoing security challenges.
Despite having the necessary materials for repairs, TCN is unable to proceed until the security conditions improve. Presently, the region is sharing 250 MW of electricity with Niger Republic, and the restoration of the Ugwuaji-Apir line would only allow for a maximum power transmission of 350 MW.
Garba Usman, Chairman of NERC, criticized TCN for failing to implement measures that prevent equipment failures, especially transformer explosions, which have contributed to the recurrent power outages. He emphasized the need for enhanced protective measures to avert transformer fires that disrupt the entire grid.
In addition, Joy Ogaji, Managing Director of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), reported that Nigeria has faced 162 instances of grid collapse from 2013 to the present.
In response to the situation, the House of Representatives has called upon the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to collaborate with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, and other pertinent security agencies to devise and implement a strategic security plan aimed at safeguarding critical power transmission lines from vandalism and criminal activities.
This resolution emerged from a motion adopted during a plenary session on Thursday, introduced by Rep. Sani Umar Bala. He pointed out that the vandalism of transmission lines has resulted in frequent power outages across major regions, adversely affecting socio-economic activities, business operations, and overall quality of life. These interruptions have also imposed considerable financial burdens on the government.
Consequently, the House urged the federal government to explore the deployment of technology-driven surveillance systems, such as drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor transmission lines in vulnerable areas.
