The Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to urgently implement recommendations made by an inter-agency committee tasked with investigating frequent national grid collapses. This move follows another grid disturbance reported by TCN at around 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, caused by a sudden frequency spike from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
In a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized the importance of the committee’s findings, describing them as “far-reaching” solutions aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term grid stability issues. The committee, chaired by Nafisatu Asabe Ali, cited poor maintenance practices, outdated equipment, and high voltage surges beyond equipment capacity as primary factors behind the grid failures. It also pointed to incidents in October when lightning and equipment degradation led to blackouts, especially in regions like Jebba and Oshogbo, where substation equipment has been in place since 1968.
Additional issues impacting the grid include infrastructure vandalism, uncoordinated maintenance schedules, and inadequate human resources. As a response, TCN has commenced repair and upgrade projects on key transmission lines, including work on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando line and enhancements at the Jebba Transmission Substation. Restoration of power in some regions, such as Abuja, was swift after the recent disturbance, but TCN cautioned that occasional instability might persist until all major works are completed.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, assured that steps are underway to strengthen the grid and improve reliability, underscoring TCN’s commitment to stabilizing the system to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
