TCN Describes Security Challenges and Efforts to Restore Bulk Power in Northern Nigeria
Speaking at the recently held NERC public hearing, TCN would like to firmly state that it is working diligently to restore bulk power supply as quickly as possible despite prevailing security challenges. This is in contrast to media reports that suggested an indefinite power outage in parts of Northern Nigeria, which were mistakenly attributed to the Executive Director (Independent System Operator), Engr. (Mrs.) Nafisatu Ali.
In her remarks at the hearing, Engr. (Mrs.) Nafisatu Ali stated that TCN has teamed up with the office of the National Security Adviser to secure the area so that her engineers can safely work on the restoration after insurgents vandalized the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which provides power to Northern Nigeria.
Given the threats in the area, Engr. Ali underlined that it is not practical to send engineers without security backup. Therefore, she refuted any notion that restoration would be permanent, emphasizing that security preparations were in place and that TCN’s focus is now on guaranteeing a consistent supply of electricity across the country.
Vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, a vital piece of infrastructure that provides electricity to the area, has caused the current outage that has been plaguing Northern states for a number of days. The urgent maintenance required to restore supplies has been postponed due to the area’s pervasive instability.
TCN, however, temporarily redirected the bulk power supply via the freshly snapped Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line.
In order to provide our engineers with access to the vandalism site so they may make the required repairs, TCN has been working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). This is essential to guaranteeing people’s safety while repairs are being made.
Because we recognize the importance of power in people’s socioeconomic life and the severe inconveniences this scenario is creating to the government and all electricity users in all impacted areas, we are unwavering in our resolve to overcome these obstacles.
We promise to keep trying everything we can to fix the issues and get power back to the impacted areas.
