- TCN denied reports of a national grid collapse, clarifying that only the Osogbo-Ihovour and Benin-Omotosho lines tripped, affecting power in Lagos.
- Grid generation dropped from 4,335.63 MW to 2,573.23 MW, but the system remained operational with most power restored.
- TCN urged caution against spreading misinformation and emphasised its ongoing efforts to strengthen the transmission network.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has firmly denied reports of a national grid collapse on Saturday, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, addressed the circulating reports, describing them as inaccurate and not reflective of the actual situation. Mbah clarified that at approximately 1:41 p.m. on Saturday, the Osogbo-Ihovour transmission line tripped, followed shortly by the Benin-Omotosho line.
According to her, these incidents disrupted bulk power supply to parts of Lagos but did not result in a grid collapse, as some reports suggested. Providing further details, Mbah explained that the national grid was generating 4,335.63 megawatts (MW) before the incident.
After the transmission line tripped, the grid’s output dropped to 2,573.23 MW. She emphasised that while there was a reduction in power generation, the grid remained stable and operational, dismissing any claims of a total collapse. “The tripping of the transmission lines affected power stations such as Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras,” she noted, explaining the localised impact of the incident.
Mbah reassured the public that the power supply in most affected areas had been restored. However, she noted that the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which remains under repair, is still undergoing maintenance work by TCN engineers. Once repaired, power will fully return to all affected areas.
In response to the incident, Mbah used the opportunity to highlight TCN’s ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen the country’s transmission network. Despite the challenges, she explained that the company is actively working on various initiatives to ensure a more resilient and efficient transmission grid.
“We are committed to building a more robust transmission system that will better withstand disruptions and improve overall reliability,” she said, acknowledging the work being done to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
Mbah also called on the public and media outlets to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive matters such as power supply. She urged against the spread of unverified information, stressing the need for accurate, factual, and credible reports. “It is essential to avoid spreading misinformation that can cause unnecessary panic among the public. We encourage everyone to verify facts before sharing,” Mbah added.
She reiterated TCN’s commitment to transparency. She assured the public that the company would continue to inform them about the grid’s status and other developments in the power sector.