TCN: Nigeria Will Face Ongoing Power Instability Until National Grid Repairs Are Completed

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has warned that the national grid will remain unstable while undergoing extensive repairs as a recent collapse—the second within 72 hours— left most of the country in darkness.In an update, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, explained that the grid suffered a disturbance around 11:29 am on Thursday due to a frequency surge from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

Mbah stated this surge was triggered by issues at a substation, which was shut down to avoid further complications.

“Recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja Axis was restored within 28 minutes. Recovery is still ongoing,” she noted.Highlighting the scope of the repair work, Mbah shared that TCN is focusing on critical transmission lines and substations, including the 330kV lines along the Shiroro-Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba substation, and restoration of the Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line.

She emphasised that TCN has started addressing identified vulnerabilities in the transmission network, as reported in a recent investigation into prior collapses.

“These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations,” Mbah explained, adding that, “some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed.

”In an appeal to the public, Mbah asked for patience as TCN works to bolster grid reliability, recognising the disruption’s impact on daily life and the economy.

She reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to stabilising Nigeria’s power supply and pledged that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the grid’s long-term stability, following the investigative committee’s findings.

Mbah further noted that the company is addressing infrastructure challenges, including damage from vandalised lines, which continues to strain the grid. The October 5 collapse marked the ninth incident of 2024, with TCN attributing recent instability to frequent line and generator tripping.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently acknowledged that outdated infrastructure makes grid failures inevitable.

He noted that the country will continue to experience grid disturbances until there is a complete overhaul of the system, stressing the need for substantial investment to modernise Nigeria’s power grid.

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