TCN Aims for Full Power Restoration in Northern Nigeria by November 3

• The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) aims to restore electricity to northern Nigeria by November 3, 2024, after extensive damage to transmission lines caused a regional blackout that has affected millions since October 22.
• As a temporary measure, TCN plans to transmit 400 megawatts of power from the Benue-Enugu lines while addressing security issues and vandalism that have complicated repair efforts.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has set a goal to restore electricity to most parts of northern Nigeria by Sunday, November 3, 2024, following extensive damage to transmission lines that caused a regional blackout.

During a recent press briefing in Abuja, the TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz reassured the public that engineers are diligently working to repair critical infrastructure to restore power to the affected areas.

Since the blackout began on October 22, millions have been left without electricity, severely impacting economic activities in the region. As a temporary measure, TCN plans to transmit 400 megawatts of power from the Benue-Enugu lines to select areas within the next 24 hours, while efforts to restore the entire power supply across the northern region are expected to take approximately two weeks.

The blackout was triggered by tripping the 330-kilovolt Ugwuaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines, affecting the northeast, northwest, and parts of north-central Nigeria. The situation was exacerbated by the vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna line, which significantly reduced the electricity supply to major cities like Kaduna and Kano. Complications arose two days later when a 330kV transmission line in Benue State snapped.

In response to ongoing power outages caused by vandalism and security issues, the federal government has procured helicopters to protect critical transmission lines and facilities nationwide. Abdulaziz noted that this proposal had been in progress for two years, highlighting the need for financing and approvals.

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has called for a ban on the sale of scrapped metals, such as electricity cables and poles, to deter vandalism of electrical facilities. He urged legislative measures to impose harsher penalties on electricity vandals, emphasising the need for significant deterrents.

Abdulaziz explained that security challenges have delayed repairs, with engineers requiring military escorts to access damaged areas safely. Work is currently halted by 6 p.m. each day to ensure the safety of the crews, who are transported to secure locations overnight.

President Bola Tinubu directed TCN to expedite repair efforts and instructed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to provide additional security support. Abdulaziz indicated that restoring the Ugwuaji–Apir line would transmit 500 to 600 megawatts of power by Sunday, with substantial distribution expected to cities like Jos, Kaduna, and Kano once both damaged lines are operational.

TCN’s ongoing efforts highlight the challenges of maintaining secure energy infrastructure in volatile areas and underscore the necessity for a resilient energy supply network to prevent future disruptions. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, the President’s Special Assistant on Community Engagement, urged affected residents to remain patient as authorities work to resolve the issues, assuring them that power would be restored soon.