Several states in the North-West, North-East, and parts of North-Central Nigeria are currently experiencing widespread power outages due to the disruption of two major 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir Double Circuit transmission lines.
This development was confirmed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) through a circular issued by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.
According to Mbah, the unexpected tripping of both transmission lines has resulted in the loss of 468 megawatts (MW) of power, leaving large parts of the affected regions in darkness. While TCNâs engineers are working to uncover the cause of the disruption, the exact reason behind the fault remains unknown.
âThe Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reports that its 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir Double Circuit transmission lines (1 & 2) went offline due to a fault, resulting in a widespread power outage affecting the North-East, North-West, and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
At approximately 4:53 a.m., the Ugwuaji-Makurdi 330kV Line 2 lost power, transferring 243 MW to Line 1. However, by 4:58 a.m., Line 1 also went offline, leading to a total loss of 468 MW,â Mbah explained.
Attempts to restore both lines shortly after they tripped were unsuccessful, as both went offline immediately upon reactivation. To resolve the issue, TCN has deployed two teams of engineers, one from the Apir Transmission Sub-region and another from the Enugu Transmission Region, to trace the fault along the affected 215 km stretch of transmission lines, which includes 245 transmission towers.
Efforts Underway to Restore Power
TCN also outlined ongoing efforts to restore electricity to the affected areas. While the 330kV lines remain out of service, the company has restored some power supply through a 132kV transmission line from New Haven to Apir. However, power distribution in the Northern region continues to be disrupted.
Mbah added that security concerns had also affected the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, further exacerbating the power outages across the region. He assured the public that TCN is working relentlessly to identify the fault and restore bulk power through the disrupted transmission lines.
âCurrently, TCN has restored power supply through the 132kV transmission line from New Haven to Apir. However, the 330kV lines remain out of service, affecting power distribution across the Northern region. Additionally, the Shiroro-Mando transmission line is down due to security concerns, further compounding the power outage in the North,â Mbah said.
Ongoing Power Supply Challenges
Nigeria has long grappled with inadequate power supply, forcing individuals and businesses to rely heavily on diesel-powered generators. The countryâs power challenges have been attributed to a combination of factors, including low power generation, insufficient gas supply, and issues within the distribution companies.
The situation has been further complicated by frequent disruptions to transmission lines caused by vandalism, weather-related incidents, and technical challenges. This year alone, several transmission lines have tripped, with the national grid collapsing multiple times, resulting in blackouts in different parts of the country.
As TCN continues its efforts to restore power, many Nigerians are left frustrated by the persistent power supply issues that continue to affect daily life and business operations across the country.