TCN promises speedy restoration of power supply to Northern Nigeria

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) engineers at work

Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun

… Outrage grows over prolonged blackout in the North

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Against increasing outrage over the prolonged blackout, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has assured that it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA to restore power to areas that have been in darkness in the Northern part of the country for some weeks.

To this end, TCN, in a statement by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mba on Sunday said it is working with the office of the NSA to repair the vandalised Shiroro-Kaduna line that led to reduction of bulk electricity to Kaduna, Kano and other major cities in the northern part of the country.

Mbah affirmed that bulk power supply would be restored as quickly as possible despite prevailing security challenges.

“TCN would like to state categorically that it is working diligently to restore bulk power supply as quickly as possible despite prevailing security challenges,” the statement read.

“The Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which supplies power to Northern Nigeria, was vandalized by insurgents & in response, TCN has partnered with the National Security Adviser’s office to secure the area, enabling her engineers to work safely on the restoration.”

She noted in the statement that TCN Executive Director (Independent System Operator), Engr. (Mrs) Nafisatu Ali had earlier noted that deploying engineers for repairs of the vandalized facility without security support is not feasible, given the risks in the region.

She dispelled any suggestion that restoration would be indefinite, stressing that TCN’s focus remains on ensuring an even supply of electricity nationwide and that security arrangements were underway.

“The current outage affecting Northern states for several days now is a result of vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, a critical infrastructure that supplies electricity to the region. Prevailing insecurity in the area has delayed the immediate repair necessary to restore supply.

“However, as a temporary measure, TCN had rerouted bulk power supply through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line, which recently snapped. TCN has been collaborating closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to work with our engineers to access the vandalism site to enable them to effect necessary repairs. This is vital to ensure the safety of lives during the repairs,” the statement concluded.

The promise by TCN came amidst increasing outrage on the power outage affecting several states in Northern Nigeria.

The chairman of a coalition of civil society in Katsina,Mr AbdulRahman Abdullahi in a statement issued on Sunday lamented that access to electricity-driven healthcare services has been compromised, leading to the tragic loss of lives daily as a result of the outage.

Abdullahi lamented, “Electricity is a lifeline and its absence has brought a range of dire consequences.

• Police nab suspected vandals with stolen tower cables
• That Coup in the North and the Federation Account
• Strike: Nationwide blackout as workers shut down national grid

“This extended outage, resulting from the recent collapse of the national grid, has inflicted severe hardships on millions, impacting lives, businesses, and essential services

“Many businesses dependent on a stable power supply have been forced to close, resulting in economic setbacks and loss of livelihoods.

“In the past eight days of this power outage, we have witnessed the mounting toll on our communities, with the negative impacts continuing to escalate.”

He explained that it was disheartening that in spite of the magnitude of the crisis, there has been little communication from the authorities about when to expect a resolution.

“Those in positions of power appear indifferent, seemingly insulated by access to private generators and solar systems at their residences and workplaces.

“This disparity only intensifies the frustration felt by the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of this crisis,” Abdullahi said.

He expressed concern over the inability of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to provide adequate updates or a comprehensive progress report on the status of the repairs.

“As a key national institution with significant financial and material resources, TCN has a duty to swiftly resolve this issue and to keep the affected regions informed.

“The current state of prolonged silence and inaction is both unjustifiable and unacceptable.

“The Coalition, therefore, calls upon the relevant authorities to prioritise this crisis with the seriousness it warrants,” he called.

Abdullahi pointed out that a coordinated and an expedited response was essential to bring relief to affected communities.

He urged TCN to take responsibility and commit to providing Nigerians with daily progress updates until this situation is fully resolved.

“In the interest of transparency and accountability, we demand an immediate and sustained response to alleviate the suffering caused by this ongoing power outage,” the coalition demanded.