The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully restored power supply to seven northern states through its 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line. In a statement on Wednesday, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s general manager of public affairs, confirmed that power was restored at 4:56 pm after completing repairs on the vandalised section of the line.
With this restoration, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is also operational, facilitating bulk power transmission to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states. Mbah stated, “As restoration efforts continue, with the TCN engineering team preparing to commence work on the second 330kV transmission line, all necessary materials for the repairs are on hand, and work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of our personnel to the affected sections of the vandalised 330kV transmission line two.”
She added, “In the meantime, teams of linesmen will re-patrol the 330kV line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our engineers work diligently to restore the 330kV transmission line 2.”
Mbah acknowledged the importance of electricity in the daily lives of Nigerians, assuring that the line will be swiftly repaired to enhance bulk power supply to the affected areas.
On October 22, TCN reported a power outage affecting the north-east, north-west, and parts of north-central Nigeria due to the tripping of both circuits of the 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir transmission lines.
Additionally, TCN stated that the Shiroro-Kaduna line was vandalised, which reduced bulk electricity supply to major cities in the north. Two days later, Mbah identified the faulty area as a snapped 330kV transmission line located in the swampy forest of Igumale, Benue State.
On October 28, the commission noted that insecurity had delayed repairs but assured the public that it was working tirelessly to restore power supply.
At a press briefing, Sule Abdulaziz, the managing director of TCN, indicated that alternative measures had been implemented to transmit 400 megawatts to certain areas within 24 hours. However, he stated that substantial power would be restored after completing repairs on the Ugwuaji-Apir transmission lines on November 3.
The MD also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu directed TCN to expedite repairs and mandated Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, to provide security support during the restoration efforts.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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