Oredola Adeola

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has issued a warning of potential attacks on its facilities in Zuba area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, urging residents of the area and environs to stay vigilant.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager, Public Affairs made this known in a statement released on Sunday and obtained by Advisors Reports.

According to Mbah, Vandalism is a persistent challenge, as clearly seen in the first quarter of 2024 alone, in which five significant vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations, necessitating emergency repairs and in some cases, complete tower reconstruction and/ or transmission line replacement due to act of vandalism.

She therefore stated that the challenges highlight the critical need for increased community support and vigilance in protecting transmission infrastructure.

Mbah said, “TCN urges heightened vigilance, for now, particularly in the Zuba area, following alerts of a planned attract on the TCN facilities in Zuba.

“We implore residents to remain vigilance and report any suspicious activities around power facilities in the area to safeguards the integrity of our infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to all,” she stated.

Mbah in the statement said that the TCN is committed to managing the grid and ensuring grid stability amidst ongoing challenges such as the persistent low gas supply affecting power generation into the nation’s grid.

She said, “TCN’s diligent grid controllers work tirelessly day and night to balance the grid and prevent any kind of disturbance amidst challenges.

“The recent grid disturbance on March 28, 2024, was promptly managed by our skilled operators, with power restoration achieved in some areas within 21 minutes of the disturbance.

“We acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Power, who has been working hard to address the root causes of low gas supply.

“The Minister has held meetings with the GenCos and and Gas Companies (GScO) to secure a higher volume of gas supply and consistency for enhanced power generation,” the TCN’s spokesperson said.

Mbah further said, “As efforts to stabilise gas supply progress, TCN emphasizes the importance of consistent gas availability to sustain optimal power generation and facilitate easier grid management, reducing system disturbances.

She emphasised that ow generation substantially increases grid fragility.

The TCN’s spokesperson therefore added that in addition to gas supply challenges, TCN faces various sector-specific hurdles, some impact other players in the value chain, but invariably affect grid stability.