For the third time in a week, the national grid has collapsed
Nigeria experienced another nationwide blackout on Saturday morning due to the failure of its fragile electricity grid. This marks the third collapse in just seven days and the eighth overall this year.
According to data from the National System Operator, which is part of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the electricity supply was 3,041.72 megawatts (MW) at 8 a.m. but plummeted to just 47 MW by 9 a.m., with only the Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant providing power.
On Friday, the grid had a peak supply of 4,807.2 MW, with a low of 4,011.27 MW. The national grid’s social media account confirmed that seven of the eleven electricity distribution companies had no power allocation. Only a few companies—Benin DisCo (70 MW), Ibadan DisCo (60 MW), Ikeja DisCo (30 MW), and Eko DisCo (20 MW)—received minimal supplies by 10:16 a.m.
The TCN reported on Friday that two towers on its 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines had been vandalized, affecting both lines. The Shiroro Regional office noted that the first line failed first, followed by the second. Efforts were underway to restore the first line, and local vigilantes were mobilized to patrol the area.
The TCN’s statement indicated that the damaged towers (T133 and T136) and their cables were found to be severely damaged during inspections. They plan to use a newly acquired “emergency restoration system” to address the situation while preparing to rebuild the towers.
In collaboration with security forces, TCN has conducted aerial surveys in the area due to the risk of banditry, which threatens both TCN facilities and staff. In the meantime, they have implemented temporary measures to supply power to the Kaduna and Kano regions through the 330kV Kaduna-Jos transmission line.
The vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna lines poses a significant hurdle for power transmission in that area, as each line can carry 600 MW. TCN remains dedicated to repairing the towers and restoring power transmission through both lines. This update was provided by Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager for Public Affairs.
