The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that the power outages currently affecting Northern Nigeria will persist due to security challenges hindering essential repairs on key transmission lines. Although the TCN is attempting to restore power through alternative routes, a complete resolution is not expected soon.
The blackouts have lasted over four days, originating from the vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which provides electricity to multiple northern states. To mitigate the impact, TCN redirected power through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit line. However, a recent tripping incident on this line has exacerbated the situation.
Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, informed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that while the Ugwuaji-Apir line has a capacity of 750 megawatts (MW), it is currently limited to 350 MW for northern regions like Kano and Kaduna due to voltage stability concerns. Meanwhile, the Shiroro-Mando line remains out of service because security issues have made it impossible to access for repairs, despite having the necessary materials on hand.
This situation has drawn sharp criticism from NERC Chairman Garba Usman, who emphasized the need for enhanced protection against transformer explosions that disrupt the grid. APGC Managing Director Joy Ogaji pointed out that Nigeria has faced 162 grid collapses since 2013, underscoring the urgent need for more resilient power infrastructure.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the House of Representatives has called on the National Security Adviser’s office to collaborate with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, and other agencies to develop a security strategy for protecting critical transmission lines. Rep. Sani Umar Bala, who proposed the motion, advocated for tech-driven surveillance solutions such as drones and CCTV to monitor and secure these vulnerable sites against vandalism, highlighting that power outages are significantly affecting businesses, daily life, and the economy.
