The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that the blackout affecting parts of Northern Nigeria is expected to continue due to security challenges delaying repairs on critical transmission lines,Daily Trust reports.
Despite efforts to restore power through alternative routes, TCN indicated that a full resolution remains unlikely in the near future.
The blackout, ongoing for over four days, was initially caused by vandalism on the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which supplies electricity to northern states. TCN attempted to redirect power through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line, but a tripping incident on this line worsened the situation.
During a public hearing by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), TCN’s Independent System Operator Executive Director, Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, explained that while repairs on the Ugwuaji-Apir line would help, they would not completely solve the problem. Although the line can carry up to 750 megawatts (MW) of power, only 350 MW can safely reach Kano, Kaduna, and parts of Niger Republic due to voltage stability limitations.
The Shiroro-Mando line, which provides higher capacity, remains out of service as ongoing security issues make the repair site inaccessible. Engr. Nafisatu mentioned that security guidance from the National Security Adviser’s office has confirmed that the area where three towers were destroyed is unsafe for repair crews. Although TCN has the materials required, work cannot commence until security improves.
Currently, the region shares 250 MW of electricity with Niger Republic, and once the Ugwuaji-Apir line is restored, the maximum transmission capacity will still be limited to 350 MW.
NERC Chairman, Garba Usman, criticized TCN for not implementing adequate measures to prevent equipment failures, particularly transformer explosions that contribute to repeated outages. He stressed the need for stronger protections against transformer fires to prevent widespread disruptions.
Additionally, Joy Ogaji, Managing Director of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), highlighted that Nigeria has experienced 162 grid collapses since 2013.
In response to the ongoing security issues, the House of Representatives urged the National Security Adviser to coordinate with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, and other agencies to develop a security strategy for protecting transmission lines across the country from vandals and other threats. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Sani Umar Bala, emphasized the widespread impact of vandalism on business operations, socio-economic activities, and overall quality of life. Rep. Bala added that the frequent disruptions have imposed considerable financial strain on the government.
The House further urged the federal government to consider using technology-driven surveillance, such as drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor vulnerable transmission lines.
